
Author 



Title 



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OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS 



OF THE 



emocralit National (teienthm, 



HELD IN 186-4 



AT 



a HIOAGO. 



CHIC AGO: 

THE TIMES STEAM BOOK AND JOB PRINTING HOUSE. 

1864. 



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JAMES H. 600DSELL, 

Official Reporter r 



PROCEEDINGS 



OF THE 



§tmttmtit ftaiiooJ ®Mvtutwn 



AT 



CHICAGO, 1804. 



FIJBST BAY. 

Monday, August 29, 1864. 

In accordance with the call of the Democratic National Committee, the delegates 
to the National Convention, assembled at twelve o'clock, noon, to-day, in the Am- 
phitheatre, in Chicago, Illinois. 

Mr. AUGUST BELMONT, of Sew York, Chairman of the Democratic National 
Committee, addressing the delegates as follows, called the convention to order: 

ADDRESS OF MR. BELMONT. 

Gentlemen of the GjONYEiraON : We are assembled here to-day, at the National 
Democratic Convention, for the purpose of nominating candidates for the Presidency 
and Vice Presidency of the United States. This task, at all times a most important 
and arduous one, has, by the sad events of our civil war, assumed an importance and 
responsibility of the most fearful nature./* Never, since the formation of our govern- 
:, has there been an assemblage, the proceedings of which were fraught with 
"lore momentous and vital results, than those which must flow from your action. 
Towards you, gentlemen, are directed at this moment the anxious fears and doubts, 
not only of millions of American citizens, but also of every lover of civil liberty 
throughout the world. [Cheers.] In your hands rests, under the ruling of an all- 
wise Providence, the future of this Republic. Four years of misrule, by a sectional, 
\iical and corrupt party, have brought our country to the very verge of ruin. The 
past and present are sufficient warnings of the disastrous consequences which would 
befall us if Mr. Lincoln's re-election should be made possible by our want of patriot- 
ism and unity. The inevitable results of such a calamity must be the utter disinteg- 
ration of our whole political and social system amidst bloodshed and anarchy, with 
the great problems of liberal progress and self-government jeopardized for genera- 
tions to come. 

The American people have at last awakened to the conviction that a change or 
policy and administration can alone stay our downward course ; and they will rush 
to the support of your candidate aud platform, provided you will offer to their suf- 
frage a tried patriot, who has proved his devotion to the Union and the constitution, 
and provided that you pledge him and yourselves to maintain that hallowed inherit- 
ance by every effort and sacrifice in your power. [Loud applause.] Let us, at the 
very outset of our proceedings, bear in mind that the dissensions of the last demo- 
cratic convention were one of the principal causes which gave the reins of govern- 
ment into the hands of our opponents ; and let us beware not to fall again into the 
same fatal error. We must bring at the altar of our country the sacrifice of our pre- 
judices, opinions and convictions — however dear and long cherished they may be — 



4 Democratic National Convention. 

from the moment they threaten the harmony and unity of action so indispensable to 
our success. We are here not as war democrats, nor as peace democrats, but as citi- 
zens of the great Republic, which we will strive to bring back to its former greatness 
and prosperity, without one single star taken from the brilliant constellation that 
once encircled its youthful brow. [Cheers.] Let peace and disinterested patriotism, 
tempered by moderation and'forbearance, preside over our deliberations ; and, under 
the blessings of the Almighty, the sacred cause of the Union, the constitution and 
the laws, must prevail against fanaticism and treason. [Loud cheering.] 

Mr. BELMONT, on concluding his brief address, nominated for temporary chair- 
man of the convention, Hon. William Bigler, of Pennsylvania. The nomination was 
received with great cheering, and was unanimously approved. 

Mr. BIGLER on taking the chair, was received with loud and long continued 
applause. When the cheers had subsided, he addressed the convention as follows '• 

ADDRESS OF MR. BIGLER. 

If Gentlemen of the Convention : I am greatly honored in your selection of me 
to preside over the preliminary deliberations of this body. My acknowledgments for 
this high compliment, and for the kind greetings just extended to me by this vast 
concourse of my fellow citizens, will be best manifested by a proper discharge of the 
duties of the position to which you have called me. 

It is not expected, nor would it be befitting in one assuming the temporary Presi- 
dency of the convention, that he should enter upon any general discussion of the 
many interesting topics suggested by the unhappy condition of our country. A brief 
allusion to the occasion and purposes of our assembling is all that will be necessary. 
No similar body ever assembled in America with mightier objects before it, or to 
which such a vast proportion of the American people looked with such profound 
solicitude for measures to promote the welfare of the country and advance their in- 
dividual happiness. 

The termination of democratic rule in this country was the end of peaceful rela- 
tions between the States and the people. The elevation of a sectional party to au- 
thority at Washington, the culmination of a long indulged and acrimonious war of 
erimination and re -crimination between extreme men of the North and South, was 
promptly followed by dissolution and civil war. And in the progress of that war the 
very bulwarks of civil liberty have been imperiled and the whole fabric brought to 
the very verge of destruction. And now, at the end of more than three years of a 
war unparalleled in modern times, for its magnitude and for its barbarous desolations, 
— after more than two millions of men have been called jinto the field, on our side 
alone, after the land has been literally drenched in fraternal blood, and wailings and 
lamentations are heard in every corner of our common country, the hopes of the 
Union, our cherished object, are in nowise improved. The men now in authority, 
because of the feud which they have so long maintained with violent and unwise 
men of the South, and because of a blind fanaticism about an institution of some of 
the States, in relation to which they have no duties to perform and no responsibili- 
ties to bear, are rendered incapable of adopting the proper means to rescue our 
country, — our whole country — from its present lamentable condition. Then, gentle- 
men, it is apparent that the first indispensable step to the accomplishment of this 
great work is the overthrow, by the ballot, of the present administration, and the 
inauguration of another, in its stead, which shall directly and zealously, but temper- 
ately and justly, wield all the influence and power of the government to bring about 
a speedy settlement of the national troubles on the principles of the constitution and 
on terms honorable and just to all sections, North and South, East and West ; one 
which shall stand unfalteringly by civil and religious liberty ; one which, instead of 
relying solely on its own peculiar dogmas and doctrines and the ravages of the sword, 
shall refer the national troubles to the people, the fountain of political authority, 
and to the States under the forms of the constitution ; one which shall have no con- 
ditions precedent to the restoration of the Union, but which shall diligently seek 
that result as the consummation of permanent peace amongst the States and renewed 
fraternity amongst the people. 

Gentlemen, we have been commissioned by the people to come here and initiate 
steps to accomplish these great objects ; to select an agent and the agencies in this 
good work. That the task will be well performed I have unfaltering faith ; and that 



Democratic National Convention. 5 

the people may sanction and God may bless these means to the desired end, is my 
sincere prayer. 

Rev. R. H. CLARKSON, D. D., of the Protestant Episcopal Church, then opened 
the proceedings with prayer, invoking the Divine blessing in the following words: 

PRAYER. 

Almighty and Most Merciful God, King of Kings and Lord of Lords, who rulest 
ta the armies of heaven, and among the inhabitants of earth, we supplicate Thy 
divine blessing upon this great people, assembled here in Thy presence this day. Be 
mercifully pleased, Lord, to prosper and direct all their consultations to the ad- 
vancement of Thy glory, the good of Thy church, and the safety, honor, and welfare 
of omv beloved nation. Forgive, Father of Mercies, the sins and transgressions 
that have brought upon us the desolation of civil war; endue our rulers with 
wisdom from on high and revive in all our hearts a spirit of devotion to the public 
good ; restrain the wrath of man, and save the shedding of blood. "We commend 
to Thy Almighty protection and loving care our brethren who are this day periling 
their lives for us in the camp and in the field; have pity upon all suffering from 
wounds and sickness ; heal, Merciful Father, the sorrows of the bereaved and 
broken hearted ; and hasten the time, Lord, when unity, peace and concord shall 
once more prevail in our beloved land,. when war shall cease from all the earth, and 
when righteousness, justice and liberty shall everywhere abound, and when all the 
nations of the earth shall rejoice in thy salvation. All which we ask in the name 
and for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with Thee, the Father, and 
Thee, Holy Ghost, be all honor and power and glory, world without end. Amen 

SECRETARIES PRO TEM. 

Mr. SANFORD E. CHURCH, of New York, moved that Messrs. E. 0. Perrin, of 
I New York, Moses M. Strong, of Wisconsin, and J. M. Tower, of New Jersey, be 
appointed temporary secretaries of the convention. Carried. 

COMMITTEES. 

Mr. W. Y. McGRATH, of Pennsylvania: I move that a committee of one from 
each State be selected, by the delegates .of each State, as a Committee on Organiza- 
tion. 

Mr. JOHN A. GREEN, of New York : I suggest that it would be more proper to 
call the roll of the States in order. 

Whereupon, by consent, the roll was called in the following order : Maine, New 
Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New 
Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michi- 
gan, Missouri, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, California, Kansas, Oregon, each State 
furnishing the credentials of its delegates. 

Mr. McGRATH, of Pennsylvania: I move that a committee be appointed, con- 
sisting of one member from each State, for the purpose of arranging the permanent 
organization of this body. 

Which motion, being submitted to the convention, prevailed. 

Mr. S. J. TILDEN, of New York: I have in my hands the official report of the 
democratic convention that met in 1856, which was the last democratic convention 

)that convened and consummated its deliberations and gave continued peace to the 
country. I offer you this resolution : 

Resolved, That a committee of one delegate from each State, to be selected by the delegations 
thereof, be appointed to report resolutions, and that all resolutions in relation to a platform of the 
democratic party be referred to said committee, ^on presentation, without debate. 

Which resolution was adopted. * 

Mr. S. S/ COX, of Ohio, offered a resolution that the Committee on Organization 
be instructed to report rules for the government of this convention, and that in the 
meantime the rules of the^st convention be the rules of this body. Which reso- 
lution, being submitted to the convention, was adopted. 

Mr. E. B. OLDS, of Ohio : I move the appointment of a committee of one from 
each State, to be a Committee.on Credentials, to be selected by the respective dele- 
gates. Carried. 



6 Democratic National Convention. 

ADJOURNMENT. 

MR. HAMILTON ALLRICKS, of Pennsylvania : I move that when this con- 
vention adjourn, it adjourn to meet at four o'clock this afternoon. 

Mr. C. L. LAMBERTON, of Pennsylvania: It is the desire of those around 
me that we do not now adjourn, but that we proceed now with our organization. I 
believe each delegation hag selected the individual to represent it on the different 
committees, and I know we want to get through with this nomination in 
harmony, and go home with as little delay as possible. I think the gentleman 
from Pennsylvania should withdraw his resolution relative to an adjourn- 
ment, to see if, after a call of the States, we cannot proceed with our organization 
at once. 

Mr. ALLRICKS, of Pennsylvania : I have not moved to adjourn, but have only 
moved to meet at a certain time, after we shall have once adjourned, that we may at 
that time hear the report of the Committee on Organisation. . 

. Mr. VIRGIL HICKOX, of Illinois, said that he had & communication to be pre] 
s&_ ed to the convention. 

The CHAIRMAN announced that the motion to adjourn to four o'clock this after- 
noon was now before the convention. 

Mr. GEORGE II. PENDLETON, of Ohio: I move to amend, that when the 
convention adjourn, it adjourn to meet at twelve o'clock to-morrow. 

Mr. L. W. POWELL, of Kentucky: Before the motion is put, I desire to re- 
mind the convention that under the resolution which has been passed, each State i« 
required to present a member to act on the Committee on Resolutions. There are 
from the State of Kentucky two sets of delegates. They have agreed to act harmo 
niously in this convention. [Loud cheers.] We desire that there shall be one del- 
egate from each of our soperate delegations appointed on the Committee on Resolu- 
tions. We ask, however, that they have but one vote in the committee. 

The CHAIRMAN: The chair would suggest that the motion is not a motion to 
adjourn, but as to when wo shall meet after the adjournment takes place, The gen- 
tleman's motion, therefore, would be out of order. 

Mr. POWELL, of Kentucky: I ask, then, the unanimous consent of the conven- 
tion. 

There being no objection offered to the request, 

The CHAIRMAN announced that the motion would be entertained. 

Mr. POWELL, of Kentucky: I move, then, "that the Kentucky delegations be 
allowed to have one member from each delegation on the Committee on Itesol u- 
tions, but that both have but one vote in the committee. 

Which motion was carried unanimously. 

The CHAIRMAN: The question now recurs on the motion of the gentleman 
from Ohio, that when the convention adjourn, it adjourn to meet at twelve o'clock to 
morrow. 

Mr. PENDLETON, of Ohio: At the suggestion of several gentlemen in my im- 
mediate vicinity, I wish to modify the motion, by substituting ten o'clock to-mor- 
row for twelve. 

The motion, as modified, was put and lost; whereupon 

The question recurred on the original motion to adjourn to four o'clock to-morrow 
afternoon. 

Mr. WILLIAM ALLEN, of Ohio: We have several working hours of this day 
before us, and may, before we now adjourn, do much to abbreviate the labor and 
the difficulty before us. I believe that the hour to which we should adjourn can be 
better fixed at the adjournment of our deliberations this" day, and, therefore, move 
that the motion now before the body be laid upon the table. 

Which motion prevailed. 

DELEGATES FROM THE TERRITORIES AND SOUTHERN STATES. 
Mr. JOHN B. WELLER, of California: I offer the following resolution: 

Regolv&d, That gentlemen, not exceeding thvee in number, and'known to be members of the flees- 
ocratic party from each of the organized Territories of the United States, be allowed seats in this 
convention, with the privilege of participating in debate, but without the right to vote. 

Mr. GEORGE W. • MORGAN, of Ohio : I movo that the motion just offered foe 
amended, so as to embrace three delegates from each of the southern States that may 



Democratic National Convention, f 

be no*- present with the right to join in the debate but not to vote. If our breth- 
ren of the Sor illi . JfeCittes who desire to return to the Union, are here represented, I 
' wish i . .t.-.iiiein admitted. [Applause and some faint hisses.] And I would 
suggest that democrats from the District of Columbia be included. 

The mover of the original resolution accepted the amendment 

Mr. TILDEN, of New York, came forward, ascended the platform in front of th* 
ehair, and said : 

Mk. Chairman: Before the question is taken upon this resolution, I wish to adr 
dress to the delegated representatives of the democratic party a single suggestion on 
this subject We are assembled here to perform the greatest and grandest task that 
any body of men have ever undertaken on this continent We come here under the 
responsibility of a delegation of the organized democracy of our respective States,, 
and it is now proposed to introduce among us a considerable number of gentlemen 
— who knows who ? — to participate in our deliberations. What reason is there for 
admitting three gentlemen, even if they do belong to the democratic party, unac- 
credited to us, from any Territory, any more than the same number of gentlemen 
from any State? We might feel inclined to have the Territories represented, but if 
so they should come here accredited as we are. In my judgment nothing but daB- 
ger, nothing but confusion, nothing but disorder, can result from introducing here 
unknown, irresponsible men, who may wish perhaps to deliver themselves of speeches 
to this solemn and august assembly. [Cheers.] It is necessary, at the very outset, 
that we address ourselves to our great duty in the spirit of our delegated authority.. 
With these views and for these reasons I move to lay this resolution and the amend- 
ment thereto on the table. 

Mr. WILLIAM JBj, NIBLACK, of Indiana: I beg the gentleman to withdraw 
the motion and allow the subject to be referred to the Committee on Credentials, 

Which suggestion was adopted, and the matter was so referred. 

LETTERS FROM DELEGATES IX MILITARY PRISONS. 

Mr. CHARLES A. WICKLIFFE, of Kentucky: I hold in my hand a communi- 
cation from each of two delegates to this convention designated by the democracy of 
Kentucky as representatives in this body. But the hand of power — of unlawful and 
lawless power — has been laid upon them and they now rest in prison in our State, 
but from the walls of that prison they desire to address what I hold in my hand to 
this convention, and which I now present and ask to have read. 

The remarks of Mr. Wiokliffe were received with enthusiastic applause, a! the 
conclusion of which 

The SECRETARY read the letters presented by Mr. Wickliffe, as follows: 

Louisville, Ky., Aug. 28, 18W. 
" To the Hon. the President of the Chicago Convention : 

I much regret the necessity of my absence from the deliberations of this great national flema- 
sratio council. The most momentous period in the history of man is now, Mr. President, in the 
hands of your convention. Let me admonish the conven ion to create and adopt a democratic plat- 
form — a peace platform [loud cheers]; and then put the best man you can agree upon on the plat- 
form, and all will be well. [Cheers.] The platform must secure every thing— individuals secure 
nothing. 

" I am now in Louisville, held as a poltlcal prisoner by the military authorities. Of course, I ma 
well and kindly treated by them, so long as they do not hang me. [Laughter and cheers.] Euttbe 
question occurs to me, ' Is this our country ? ' If it be, then your convention must reassert those 
rights of the sovereignty of the States, and the personal liberty of our citizens under the writ c# 
habeas corpus and trial by jury. Those rights are now usurped by the party in power. 

The conventions of our fathers that gave us our liberties, were nothing in importance to te 
compared with the duties of the present convention. Then lay aside personal preferences and ace, 
to meet the great emergency, and save a bleeding country. Give us our liberty. Thia war s* 
wrong. [Cheers.] 

" A life-long democrat, 

• (Signed,) M Jons W. LEATHasa." 

Military Pkison, Dkpartmhkt of Political Paisowaae. I 
Louisvillb, Aug. 15, 1S64. } 

"To the OlMirwx-n of the Chicago Natwnal Democratic Convention : 

" The undersigned, one of the delegates at large for the State of Kentucky to your conventlc-s?, 
aal Chairman of the Central Democratic Committee of the State of Kentucky, finding himself un- 
able to perform his duties, in consequence of his incarceration by military despotism, ventures to 
address this communication, through you, to the National Convention, in the hope that it may be 
passed out of this prison by some friendly agency, and may possibly reach its destination if no* fea- 
tfercepted. 



f 



8 Democratic National Convention. 

"Arrested on the 2d of August; deprived of the right of seeing any friends or legal counsel; 
robbed of papers referring to the credentials of the Kentucky delegates to the Chicago convention; 
seeing in the same confinement Dr. A. B. Chambers and Col. J. W. Leathers, and not knowing how 
many of the Democratic delegates may be prevented, by arrests or by terrorism, from attending the 
convention, I have thought proper to forward this statement of our condition. 

"We are arrested upon vague suspicions. No statement^can be obtained of the charges, the'specifi- 
cations, or the witnesses, if any there be ; nor is any hope held out that we shall have either trial or 
investigation, however vehement our protestations of innocence. I am guilty of «oo crime but de- 
votion to democracy, and abhorrence of war. 

"Mew prisoners are being brought in, and a vague terror fills the public mind. Since men see the 
best and quietest c itizens of the country, engrossed in their private duties or business, mysteriously 
and suddenly snatched away without assignable cause, and kept in the mysterious confinement 
of a political bas ile, they cannot but feel that their own liberty is very precarious, and that any 
military whim ort the malignity of a slanderous political enemy or villainous detective may at any 
time work their ruin. 

"Under these circumstances, I desire, on behalf of the Central Democratic Committee, who are 
no longer able to meet and act as heretofore, to urge upon the convention the necessity of discoun- 
tenancing Mr. Lincoln's bold schemes for the perpetuation .of his despotism, by the aid of a fictitious 
vote in Kentucky and other border States. There is no freedom of election in Kentucky but by 
gracious permission. The life, liberty and property of every citizen are at the mercy of the Presi- 
dent and his subordinates. It is customary with them to pronounce every man disloyal who is op- 
posed to Mr. Lincoln, and to the continuance of the present ferocious war. It is customary to take 
from such their horses, provisions, slaves, arms, or whatever they may have that their oppressors 
may fancy, and they esteem it a privilege if their property is not wantonly destroyed and. them- 
selves shot at or imprisoned, as such things occur often enough to create a general alarm. A few 
weeks since the city of Louisville was guarded by negroes, while it was ransacked to seize and carry 
off, without any pretense of compensation, the horses of the citizens opposed to the party in power. 
" In the last Gubernatorial and Congressional election, the voice of Kentucky was silenced by 
these means (terrorism and robbery), and it is needless to hope for any better treatment at the en- 
suing election. Every one knows that the voice of Kentucky, if it can be uttered, will be overwhel- 
ming for the democratic nominee ; the wildest Jacobin expects no other result. The democratic 
party are, therefore, entitled to demand the benefit of that vote, and if they shall be defrauded by 
military interference, they can at least assert, with all the majesty of their accumulated power as a 
party, that no false vote gotten up under martial law shall be estimated in the coming election. 

" The times are truly alarming. There is no knowing what coup d'etat may he attempted by 
our well organized opponents with their secret societies, their limitless control of the.national wealth, 
national arms and soldiers, their hordes of negroes and detective spies, their subservient Congress 
and State Governors, and their general disregard of laws and oaths to support the constitution. 
Nothing can counteract this vast machinery of usurpation, but the firmness of an organized, cen- 
tralized and vigilant party of liberty. It is necessary that the National Democratic Convention, 
as the central representation of the democratic party, should hold its session in pei'manence, or at 
lea st until the result of the Presidential election is determined, and the alarming crisis is passed, if 
not until the great objects, peace and liberty, are attained. 

" The present convention was not assembled with the prospect of permanent service, but it may 
well select from its own ranks, or if need be, from the groups of ruined citizens in all the States, 
from twenty-five to fifty of the best, wisest and most esteemed, firm and patriotic citizens, to form 
the Council of Liberty, or national council of democracy, whose voice shall be heard above the 
storm of war, guiding the friends of liberty in action, and speaking potential words of peace and re- 
union to the whole of a torn and bleeding country. 

(Signed,) " J. R. Buchanan." 

Mr. CLEMENT L. YALL ANDIGHAM, of Ohio : I move that the States be now 
called, in order that the chairman of each delegation may report the several com- 
mittee men, whom I understand have already been designated by the respective 
delegations. 

DELEGATES EEOM LOUISIANA. 

The CHAIRMAN suggested that there was still before the Convention a commu- 
nication from gentlemen who claimed to represent the State of Louisiana ; where- 
upon 

Mr. VALLANDIGHAM, suspended his motion to allow the communication to be 
read. 

The SECRETARY thereupon read the communication, as follows : 
" To the Democratic National Convention: 

Gentlemen: The undersigned delegates, selected by the democracy of the State of Louisiana to 
represent that State in your convention under a call-xluly signed and published, respectfully repre- 
sent that they have presented their credentials to the National Committee, which body, without a 
hearing, have refused tickets of admission as members of the convention. Assuring the convention 
that we have come in no spirit of disorganiz ation, but to unite with the democratic party of the entire 
Union in the glorious work of rescuing the country from this corrupt administration, and believing the 
democratic party of the North are ready to unite with us in such a work, we desire that as delegates 
from Louisiana we be allowed a hearing. 

" Respectfully, 

(Signed) "J. T. Biddolph, 

" Chairman of the Delegation." 

Mr. GIDEON J. TUCKER, of New York, moved that the communication be refer- 
red to the Committee on Credentials. Carried. 



Democratic National Convention. 



APPOINTMENT OF COMMITTEES. 

The CHAIRMAN then reminded Mr. Vallandigham that his motion would now be 
in order ; whereupon 

Mr. VALLANDIGHAM arose, amid vehement applause, and renewed his motion 
to proceed with the call of States. 

Mr. JOHN D. STILES, of Pennsylvania : I move, in amendment to the motion, 
to confine the call to the Committee on Organization alone. Some of the delega- 
tions have not yet selected their representatives on the other committees. 

Mr. VALLANDIGHAM, of Ohio: The Committee on Resolutions will have the 
most laborious duty to perform- of any committee of this convention, and this very 
night we can proceed with that work if the committee men are announced. If none 
have been appointed by some of the delegations, those delegations can appoint a 
committee man and announce his name to the other members of the committee and 
he can meet with them. I trust that this motion will be adopted and that we shall 
proceed at once to the transaction of that important business.' 

MR. STILES, of Pennsylvania : With the understanding suggested I withdraw the 
amendment. 

The SECRETARY, thereupon called the roll of States for the selection of the 
respective committees. They were finally selected as follows: 



ON CREDENTIALS. 



Maine — Joseph Titcomb. 
New Hampshire — J. S. Bennett. 
Massachusetts — Joshua D. Ball. 
Vermont — A. M. Dickey. 
Connecticut — Alfred E. Burr. 
Rhode Island — William H. Allen. 
Mew York — Sanford E. Church. 
New Jersey — Daniel Holsman. 
Pennsylvania — William V. McGrath. 
Delaware — E. L. Martin. 
Maryland — John R. Franklin. 
Kentucky — Nathaniel Wolfe. 



Ohio — Alexander Long. 
Indiana — Alfred P. Edgerton. 
Illinois — William R. Archer. 
Michigan — Alpheus Felch. 
Missouri — Robert Wilso n. 
Minnesota — J. B. LeBlond. 
Wisconsin— H' W. Smith. 
Iowa — M. D. McHenry. 
California — C. Wether ill. 
Kansas — Orlin Thurston. 
Oregon — Benjamin Stark. 



ON PERMANENT ORGANIZATION. 



Maine — Philo Clark. 
New Hampshire — E. W. Harrington, 
Massachusetts — Phineas Allen. 
Vermont — George Washburn. 
Connecticut—. -Lloy d E. Baldwin. 
Rhode Island — Gideon H. Durfee. 
Hew York — John A. Green, Jr. 
New Jersey — Theodore F. Randolph. 
Pennsylvania — Francis W. Hughes. 
Delaware— Ja.rn.es R. Booth. 
Maryland — Benjamin G.£Harris. 
Kentucky — Hamilton Pope. 



Ohio— Chilton A. White. 
Indiana — Samuel C. Willson. 
Illinois — Thomas P. Rogers. 
Michigan— Kenv j Fralick. 
Missouri— Firman A. Rozier. 
Minnesota — C. II . BeiTy. 
Wisconsin — Gharles G. Rodolph. 
Iowa — J. H. Murphy. 
California — Thomas Hays. 
Kansas — L. B. Wheat. 
Oregon — William McMiller. 



ON RESOLUTIONS. 



Maine — John W. Dana. 

New Hampshire — Edwin Pease. 

Massachusetts — George Lunt. 

Vermont^- T. P. Redfield. 

Connecticut — Charles R. Ingersoll. 

Rhode Island — Charles S. Bradley. 

New York — Samuel J. Tilden. 

New Jersey — Abraham Browning. 

Pennsylvania — William A. Galbr-aith. 

Delaware — Charles Brown . 

Maryland — Thomas G. Pratt. 

Kentucky — James Guthrie, Thos. N. Lindsey 

RESOLUTIONS. 



Ohio— Clement. L. Vallandigham. 
Indiana — James M. Hanna. 
Illinois— S. S. Marshall. 
Michigan — Augustus C. Baldwin. 
Missouri — William A. Hall. 
Minnesota — E. 0. Hamlin. 
Wisconsin — George B. Smith. 
Iowa— James F. Bates. 
California — John B. Weller. 
Kansas — William C. McDowell. 
Oregon — Benjamin Stark. 



Mr. E. B. OLDS, of Ohio : I have a resolution I desire to offer for the purpose 
of havirfg it referred to the Committee on Resolutions, that at some future time the 
attention of the committee and of the Convention having been called to it, we may 
liave some action, if such should by this convention be thought proper : 

Resolved, That the Committee on Resolutions be instructed to take into consideration and report to 
this convention what action, if any, this convention should take relative to the late military order of 
Gen. Heintzelman, prohibiting the citizens of. the sovereign States of the great Northwest from pur- 
chasing firearms and ammunition. 



10 Democratic National Convention, 

Which resolution was referred, under, the rule, to the Committee on devolutions. 
Mr. WASHINGTON HUNT, of New York, offered the following rotation: 

Resolved, That in the future, as in the past, we will adhere with unswerving fidelity to the Union 
snd the Constitution, and in wist on maintaining our national unity as the only solid foundation of our 
strength, security and happiness as a people, and as a framework of government, equally conducive 
to the welfare and prosperity ef all the States both northern and southern ; and, with a view to ter- 
minate the pending conflict and restore the bles.-ingsof peace, we are in faver of an armistice, and of 
earnest, honorable efforts to adjust the terms of settlement and Union on the basis of the constitution, 
of the United States ; and, for the Anal solution of all differences, we would recommend a conven- 
tion of the States to review the constitution, and adopt such amendments and modiS cations as may 
seem necessary, more fully to insure to each State the enjoyment of ail its right? and the undisturbed, 
®ontrol of its domestic concerns, according to the original intent and. purpose of the Federal «%m. 
pact. 

Which was also referred to the Committee on Resolutions. 

Mr. THOMAS L. PRICE of Missouri, offered the following resolution : 

Resolved, That, in this groat crisis of our national history, the freedom and. sacred right ef freemen 
secured to us by the blood of our ftthera, and the guarantees of the constitution, must be maintained 
against all assaults, intimidatioa, or interference ; and we hereby pledge, each to the other, and all 
of us to our common country, our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honors, to make common cause 
with the people of any and every State where the same may be assailed or trampled upon. ;' to the end 
that the constitutional expression of the popular will and the inestimable -right of self-government 
may be secured for ourselves and our posterity. 

Which was also referred to the Committee on Resolutions. 

Mr. ALEXANDER LONG, of Ohio, addressed the chair to offer a resokfcioaa, ' 

Mr. S. S. COX, of Ohio : I do not wish to cut off the resolution of my colleague 
about to be offered, but I move, sir, that all resolutions coming from individual del- 
egates bo referred to the Committee on Resolutions without reading. 

Mr. YALLANDIGHAM, of Ohio : I make the point of order that the gentle- 
man's motion is ruled out by the reading already of several resolutions, and that 
t<here is a prior motion now pending. 

Mr. COX, of Ohio: I do not object to the reading of the resolution of my col- 
league. After it shall have been r$M I think this convention had better determine 
so lay before the Committee oa Resolutions everything that may come before it in a 
proper way. 

Mr. LONG then read the following resolution : 

R-tsolved, That a committee, to be composed of one member from each State represented is tMg 
■Convention, to be selected by the respective delegations thereof, be appointed for the purpose of pro- 
ceeding forthwith to the city of Waahingtoa, asad, on behalf ef this convention and the people, to aak 
Mr. Lincoln to suspend the operation of the pending dra t for 500,000 more men until the people 
shall have aa opportunity through the ballet bos in a free election, — uninfluenced in any manner by 
military orders or military interference, — of deciding the question, now fairly presented to them, of 
war or peace, at the approaching electioa in November ; and that said committee he and they are here- 
by instructed to urge upon Mr. Lincoln, by whatever argument they can employ, to stay the flow 
of fraternal blood, at least so far as the pending draft will continue to augment it, until the people, 
the source of all power, shall have an opportunity of expressing their will for or against the farther 
prosecution of the war in the choice of candidates for the Presidency. 

Which was also referred to the Committee on Resolutions. 

Mr. W. W. EATON, of. Connecticut, offered the following resolution : 

Resolved, That the Committee on Resolutions be instructed to report as soon as practicable, and 
that no ballot be taken for candidates for President or Vice President until such report shall be niade 
and adopted. 

Mr. EATON subsequently asked leave that his resolution might lie on the te&fe 
for further consideration hereafter. 

Mr. AL$}RICKS, of Pennsylvania, presented the following, which was handed to 
the Secretary and by him read to the convention: 

national 



convention assembled, for the purpose of nominating candidates for the high offices^of President 
and Yice President, to be voted for at the ensuing election, point with pride and satisfaction to the 
past history of our common country, her great and marvelous prosperity, under democratic admin- 
istration. Therefore, in order 'to restore and preserve the integrity of our once happy Ufiion, re- 
establish justice and domestic [ tranquility throughout our borders, promote the general welfare, 
and secure the return of the blessings of liberty vouchsafed to us by our forefathers, we here renew 
;md declare our unalterable attachment to the Union, and that it must be preserved in its integrity. 
Believing that the desirable object can be obtained if we profit by the wisdom of our forefathers, wc 
here adopt as our sure and broad platform the constitution of the United States in its length and 
•breadth, and pledge our candidates to maintain, preserve, protect, and defend the same. 

Muolmd, Hi&t we cannot view with indifference the open repudiation and violation of the Mosroe 



Democratic National Convention. 11 

d o >-i.rine, the establishment of an empire on the rains of a neighboring republic ; and that we view 
?vii!i 'greater alarm and distrust the fearful strides o' the general administration at cur national capi- 
ta] '.^: •■■•<\ r - '"•> •'' in th,i ir r ]>:nt ■<! jnt ■' ni e with .State rights, with the liberty of speech, 
of the pres>, and the right of private pn.j.t . , .. herefpte, we call on all true and incorruptible pa- 
triots to lay aside their partisan prejudices, to look our bleeding country's troubles in the face, 
calmly to consider the fearful waste of blood and treasure through the unwise acts and misguided 
policy of the present national administration, and assist in changing our rulers, that we may reecue 
our beloved country and the liberties of he people from certain ruin. 

Resolved, That we will use all honorable means known to civilized nations to bring to & speedy 
termination the unhappy difficulties that disturb our country. 

ADJOURNMENT. 

Mr. JOHN A. GREEN, of New York: I move that when this convention ad- 
journ it adjourn to meet to-morrow morning at ten o'clock. 
"Which motion prevailed. 
Mr. YALLANDIGHAM, of Ohio, rising, was greeted with loud cheering and 

cries, "Take the platform." He finally stepped to the platform, and merely 
gave notice that the Committee on Resolutions would meet in the evening at eight 
o'clock, at the rooms of the New York delegation in the Sherman House. 

The SECRETARY also gave notice that the Committee on Credentials would meet 
in the evening at No. 5 Tremont House; and that the Committee on Organization 
would meet in the evening at seven o'clock at the rooms oi the Pennsylvania delega- 
tion at .the Tremont House. 

The Convention then adjourned until ten o'clock on Tuesday morning. 



SECOND DAY. 



Tuesday, August 36. 

The Convention reassembled, pursuant to adjournment, at ten o'clock in the fore- 
noon. Tue galleries of the amphitheatre were densely crowded long before tl*e 
hour for the re-assembling of the convention. Every foot of standing room in the 
immense building was occupied, while many hundreds of people, unable to gain ad- 
mission, were compelled to remain outside. 

Hon. WILLIAM BIGLER, of Pennsylvania, temporary chairman, called the del- 
egates to order, and announced that the proceedings of the convention would now 
bo resumed with 

DEVOTIONAL EXEBCISES. 

Right R*v. HENRY J. WHITEHOUSE, Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal 
Church in the Diocese of Illinois, then came forward, and introduced the opening 
religious service by stating that a portion of the Psalter would be read, and request- 
ing all the audience to join audibly in the Lord's prayer at the close. He then 
read Psalm 127 — verses 1, 2; Psalm 133 and Psalm 122 — verses 6, 7, 8, 9 f in tins 
version of the Liturgy, after which he proceeded as follows : 

Let us pray : 

[Prayer for ih-t Convention and People..] 

Most Mighty God, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, without whose care the watchman waketh but 
in rain, we implore in this our time of need Thy succor and blessing in behalf of all the people of 
thi» land, and especially of this assembly solemnly convened in the awful trust of popular govern- 
ment, and met together to consult on the interests of our afflicted country in the responsibility and 
loyalty of citizenship. Remember not our many and great transgressions; turn from us the judg- 
ments we feel and fear ; and give us wisdom to discern, and courage to attempt, and faithfulness to 
do, and patience to endure, whatever shall be well pleasing in Thy sight. 

Direct and prosper all events and counsels to preserve the union of these States and maintain the 
«onstitution , so that truth and justice, brotherly kindness and charity, unity and concord, may be 
the stability of our times and make this nation a praise in the earth. We acknowledge our unwov- 
thine-se, and the grievous sins which have provoked Thy judgment to lay us thus in " a place of dark- 
Bess, and in the deep." Let our cry enter into Thine ear, and in our triumphs and our sorrows let 
us look only to Thee as the Author of strength, the Giver of victory, the Consolation of the afflicted, 
and thellealerof our woes. Renew and increase in us a spirit of love and thankfulness, of peace- 
able obedience to Thy laws and of fervent zeal for Thy holy faith. Subdue anger, prejudice and 
Tain glory. Take away all ignorance, hardness of heart, and detracting passions. Cause thy face 
to shine on our desolations, and fetch home, blessed Lord, those who have gone from us, that we 
aaay again become one in the goodly heritage which Thou gavest to our fathers. May Thy chastend 
ings yield the peaceable fruits of righteousness, that at last we may rejoice in Thy deliverance* 
tSu'ougft Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen, 



12 



Democratic National Convention. 



[Prayer for our Rulers."] 
Grant, Lord, to all such as are intrusted with the government and protection of the nation, 
Thy most gracious support and guidance. Graft in their hearts a deep sense of dependence upon 
Thy wisdom, power and favor, and incline them with all humility to seek the same. Make Thy 
word to be their light and Thine arm their strength. Under their heavy burdens be Thou their chosen 
refuge and consolation. By their counsel and measures, with Thy blessing, may the wounds of the 
nation be speedily healed and Thy people be glad in the peace and love of Thy .salvation, through 
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

[Prayer for our Forces and for all. in Suffering.'] 

God, Most Mighty and Most Gracious, by whom the hairs of our head are all numbered, we 
implore Thy blessing and protection for all who have gone forth for our de f ence by land and water. 
In every duty and clanger be their present help. In all privations and sufferings give them patience 
and resignation, and a heart to seek their comfort in Thee. Father of Mercies : We fly unto Thee 
for succor, in behalf of all those who are suffering in mind, body or estate, in the calamities of this 
season of war. The more their sorrows press hard upon td em, the more let the comforts of Thy 
mercy and pity abound towards them. Visit with Thy consolation the sick, the wounded, the priso- 
ner, the poor and distressed and all deprived of relatives and friends. Be the Father of the 
fatherless, the God of the widow, the solace of parents bereaved of their children. Raise up, for 
the downcast and stricken, friends to pity, and minister to their several necessities. Relieve the dis- 
tressed, protect the innocent, and awaken the guilty. Prepare to meet Thee, all who shall die in this 
conflict, giving them true repentance, lively faith, and sincerity of heart, that they may be Thine 
in the day when Thou makest up Thy jewels, through Him who liveth and reigneth with Thee and 
the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen. 

[Prayer for Unity and Peace.] 
O God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, our only Savior and Prince of Peace, give us grace 
seriously to lay to heart the great dangers we are in by our unhappy divisions. "Take away all- hatred 
and prejudice, selfishness, pride and vain glory, that may hinder us from godly union and concord. 
Settle the flocks of Thy people in peace, and remove all offences and make this desolating war to 
cease throughout our land. Restore to us the blessings of peace, and secure them to our children's 
children. May the Prince of Peace come, and, reigning in our hearts and lives, unite us in the 
bonds of national love, in unity of counsel, purity of purpose, and the supreme aim of the advance- 
ment of religion and virtue, and the peace, good order, and weifare of the whole nation so that we, 
Thy people, and the sheep of Thy pasture, united in the bonds of truth, of faith, and charity, may 
glorify Thee in Thy peace and love. God our Savior, who art the hope of all the ends of the 
earth and to whom with the Father and Holy Ghost, be all honor and praise, world without end. 
Arum. 

[TJie Lords Prayer.] 

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name ; Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on 
earth, as it is in heaven. Giveusthis day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses as we 
forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation ; but deliver us from evil ; 
for thine is the kingdom, and the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. 

[The Benediction.] 

The Peace of God, which passeth all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowl- 
edge and love of God and of His Son Jesus Christ our Lord. The blessing of the Lord Almighty, the 
Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost be among you and remain with you forever. 

The SECRETARY was about to read the proceedings of the first day's session, 
when 

Mr. WILLIAM H. MILLER, of Pennsylvania, moved that the reading of the 
minutes be dispensed with. Carried. 

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON CREDENTIALS. 

Mr. M. D. McHENRY, of Iowa, Chairman of the Committee on Credentials, re- 
ported as follows : 

* "The Committee on Credentials examined the credentials of the several delegates claiming seats 
in this convention, and found them correct. 

_ "In regard to the delegation from Kentucky we find that, on the 25th day of May last a conven- 
tion of conservative democratic Union men, under a call from the committee appointed by the Union 
Convention of last year, assembled at Louisville, and appointed and accredited a full delegation to 
this convention, who were James Guthrie and others ; and on the 2Sth day of June a convention was 
held under a call for a democratie convention, which appointed and accredited a full delegation, who 
were Charles A. Wickliffe and others. 

" Your committee, recognizing both of these delegations as composed of gentlemen devoted to the 
constitution and the Union, and fully sympathising with this convention in its objects, recommend 
that they both be received and have membership as delegates from Kentucky, each delegation to 
cast half the votes to which the State is entitled. 



(Signed,) 



" Respectfully submitted, 



"M. D. McHenbt, 

" Chairman." 



' Mr. WICKLIFFE, of Kentucky: I move that the report of the committee be re- 
ceived and adopted. 
, Which motion was carried. 



Democratic National Convention, 13 

LIST OF DELEGATES. 

The following is a complete list of delegates, showing, as far as practicable, their 
full names and residences, together wilh the names of alternate delegates, wherever 
the same were chosen: 

MAINE. 
Delegates at Large. 

Gorham L. Boynton, Bangor, 
John W. Dana, Fryeburg, 
William P. Haines, Beddford. 
Richard D. Bice, Augusta. 

'District Delegates. AUei'naies. 

First District Sylvanus R. Lyman, Portland, Not appointed, 

Joseph Titcomb, Kennebunk, Not appointed, 

Second David Hammons, Bethel, A. C. Howard, Auburn, 

Philo Clark, Turner, Moses Riggs, Georgetown, 

Third Joseph E. Smith, Wiscasset, Not appointed, 

Charles A. White, Gardiner, Not appointed, 

Fourth Marcellus Emery, Bangor, Charles W. Roberts, Bangor, 

Henry Hudson, Guilford, Joseph Chase, Dover, 

Fifth William H. Simpson, Jonathan White, Rockland, 

Jamos R. Talbot, East Machlas, Thomas D. Jones, Ellsworth. 

VERMONT. 
Delegates at Large. Alternates. 

H. B. Smith, Milton, i N. H. Armington, Bakersfield, 

Lewis S. Partridge, Norwich, Alexander McLane, Fairee, 

John Cain, Rutland, A. M. Haling, Bennington, 

T. P. Redfield, Montpelier, J. M. Weeks, Lyndon. 
District Delegates. -. Alternates. 

First District, Isaac McDaniels, Rutland,; John McKeogh, 

A. M. Haling, Bennington, Not appointed, 

Second, Asa M. Dickey, Bradford, Harry N. Worthen, 

George Washburn, Springfield, P. G. Skinner, 

Third. Benjamin H. Smalley , Swanton, Not appointed, 

R. G. Hopkinson, Not appointed. 

NEW HAMPSHIRE. 

[Delegates elected from Councillor Districts.'] 
District Delegates. Alternates . 

First District John H. Pearson, Concord, Aaron Whittemore, Pembroke, 

John S. Bennett, Newmarket, William C. Webster, Kingston, 

Second Paul A. Stackpole, J.C.Eastman, 

Edwin Pease, E. A. Hibbard, 

Third. George Stark, Nashua, O. H. Burns, 

Edward W. Harrington, Manchester, C. W. Stanley, 

Fourth Don H. Woodward, Keene, Frederic Yose Walpole, 

Albert S. Wait, Newport, Edmund L. Cushing, Charleston, 

Fifth John G. Sinclair, William A. Putney, 

Jared W. Williams, John Hitchcock. 

MASSACHUSETTS. 

Delegates at Large. > Alternates* 

Josiah G. Abbott, Boston, / Oliver Stevens, 

Isaac Davis, Worcester, / George W. Bentley, | /£ 

Erasmus D. Beach, Springfield, f D.N Carpenter, 

J. D. Thompson, I Charles Heebner. 

District Delegates. ^— ^Alternates. ' 

Fir3t District S. B, Phinney, Barnstable, Alexander Baxter, Yarmouth, 

W, C, N, Swift, New Bedford, E. W. Allen, Nantucket, 

Second., Caleb Stetson, Braintree, Alexander Lincoln, Hingham, 

James S. Maguire, Randolph, Edwin R. Clark, Sharon, 

Third Joshua D. Ball, Boston, J. M. Wightman, Boston, 

George Lunt, Boston, BeDJamin Dean, Boston, 

Fourth Michael Doherty, Boston, D. C. Kelly, Boston, 

Knowlton S. Chaffee, Boston, William Murt ay, Boston, ' 

Fifth Richard S. Spofford, Newburyport, ' Lemuel B. Usher, Lynn, 

William D. Northend, Salem, Charles P. Thompson, Gloucester, 

Sixth John K. Tarbox, Lawrence, Fredrick 0, Prince, 

E. T. Swift. Charlestown, J. U. Carlton, 

Seventh, A. N. Brown, Lowell, John B, Walcott, Natlck, 

William G. Lewis, Framingham, A. J, Harlow, Concord, 

Eighth Orison Woodward, Milford, Henry A, Aldrich, Mendon, 



14 Democratic National Convention. 

■ 

George Hodges, Oxford, Henry H. Steven, Dudley 

Ninth Calvin W. Sha!tuck,Coleralne, Levi Haywood, Gardner, 

Lewis Bodman, Williamsburg, William B. Fuller, Whately, 

Teath, Phineas Allen, Pittsfield, Russell C. Brown, 

Reuben Noble, Westfield, John Boyle. 

RHODE ISLAND. 

Delegates at Large. 

'■■ Charles S. Bradley, Providence, 

Gideon Bradford, Providence, 
Alfred Anthony, Providence, 
Thomas A. Reynolds. East Greenwteh. 
District Delegates 

First District Ebenezer W. Walker, Providence, 

Gideon II, Durfee, Tiverton, 
Second Isaac Lawrence, Newport, 

William 11. Allen, Allen. 

CONNECTICUT. 

Delegates at Large. 
William W. Eaton, Hartford, 
Charles R. Ingersoll, New Haven, 
William M, Converse, Norwich, 
George Taylor, Litchfield, 

District Delegates, 

First District. .. A.l r red E. Burr, Hartford, 

Charles F, Sumner, 
Second Nathan A, Baldwin, 

Samuel Arnold, 
Third -• .Frederick L. Allen, 

Lloyd E. Baldwin, 
Fourth William F,' Taylor, 

Roland Hitchcock, 

NEW YORK. <*" 

Delegates at Large. 
\ Horatio Seymour, Albany, 

Dean Richmond, Buffalo, 
Isaac Butts, Rochester, * 

August Belmont, New York, 
District Delegates , 

First District Jacob Piatt Carll, 

Abraham G. Thompson, Babylon, 
Second ....John G. Shoemaker, Brooklyn, 

Thomas Kinsala, Brooklyn, 
Third. Samuel D. Morris, Brooklyn, 

Thomas H. Farron, Brooklyn, 
Fourth. Daniel E. Delevan, NewYork, 

Henry McMahon, NewYork, 
Fifth Oswald Ottendorber New York, 

Ignatius Flynn, New York, 
Sixth John Kelly, New York, 

Henry Hilton, New York, 
Seventh Michael Connolly, New York, 

Luke F. Cozzans, New York,§ 

Eighth .John McKeon, New York, 

,£v | Gideon J. Tucker, New York, 

• \ Ninth Samuel J. Tilden, New York 

Thomas McSpedon, New York, 
Tenth .....Abraham B. Conger, Haverstraw, 

William Radford, Yonkers, 
Eleventh .Eugene A. Brewster, Newburg, 

George Beunett, Monticello, 
Twelfth Robert E. Andrews, Hudson, 

William Chamberlain, Barrytown, 
Thirteenth Manly B. Mattice, Durhamville, 

Jacob Hardenburgh, Kingston, 
Fourteenth Amasa J. Parker, Albany, 

N. P. Hinman, Scoharie Court House, 
Fifteenth James S. Thayer, lloosick Falls, 

Emerson E. Davis, Whitehall, 
Sixteenth \. Jesse Gay,' Plaiteburg, 

Augustus 0, Hand, Elizabe'htown, 

Seventeenth . William J. Averill, Ogdensburg, 

Darius W. Lawrence, Moira, 
Eighteenth.... ^Livingston Spraker, Palatine Bridge, 



Democratic National Convention, 



IS 



:; 



c 



David T. Lamb, Waterford 
Nineteenth.... ..Alfred Clark, Hyde, 

Sherwood S. Merritt, Oxford, 
Twentieth William I. Skinner, Little Falls, 

Levi H. Brown, Watertown, 
T wenty-flrst J, Thomas Springs, Utica, 

G-. X. San ford, Durharnville, 
Twenty-second... Sidney T. Fairchild, Cazenovta, 

Willard Johnson, Fulton, • 
Twenty-third John A.Green, Jr. Syracuse, 

Frederick Hyde, 
Twenty-fourth William C. Beardsley, Auburn, 

Edwin M. Anderson, Palmyra, 
Twenty-fifth Benjamin F. Angel, G-eue6eo, 

Henry 0. Cheesebro, Canandaigua, , 
Twenty-sixth John J, Taylor, Owego, 

E. P. Dey, Watkyns, 
Twenty-seventh.. Marshall B. Champlain, Cuba, 

Luman A. Ward, Hornellsville, * 

Twenty-eighth SanfordE. < hurch, Rochester, 

William C. Rowley, Rochester, 
Twenty-ninth Washington Hunt, Lockport, 

Linus W. Thayer, Warsaw, 
Thirtieth John Ganson, Buffalo, 

A. P. Laning Buffalo, 

Thirty-first John C. Devereux Ellicottville, 

^ Hiram C. Miner, Dunkirk, 

NEW JERSEY. 
I Delegates at large, 
JfohnP, Stockton, Trenton, 
Jraniel Holsman, Passaic, c- ■/'^^ / s t f 

Abraham Browning, Camden, 
Theodore Runyon, Newark. 
District Delegates, 

First District Ebenezer Westcott, 

Joseph W, Reeves, 
Second .Job il. Gaskill, Burlington, 

Joseph D. Bidle, Freehold, 
Third Benjamin M. Price, Norway, 

James K. Swayze, Hope, 
Fourth Albert A. Hopper, Paterson, 

Andrew B. Cobb, Parsippany, 
Fifth Theodore F. Randolph, jWey-Gity^ 

William H. Camp, Newark. 

PENNYSLVANIA. 

Dd-egates at Large. 

George W. Cass, Pittsburg 
William Bigler, Clearfield, 
A 3a Packer, 
William V. McGrath. -^ 

District Delegates. 

First District Samuel G. King, \ 

George W. Nebinger, j 
Second William M. Reiley. 

G. W. Ii win, * 
Third William Curtis, 

Simon W. Arnold 
Fourth William A. Burnt 

Isaac S. Cassin^-- >'•' 
£ifth H. P. Ross, 

Charles W. Carrigan, 

Sixth ..JohnD. Stiles, 

^* ' — ' » Perry M Hunter, 

Seventh '. . .John H. Brinton, -? . 

John C, Beattj^St 
Eighth J. Glancy Jones*, 

William Rosenthal, 

Ninth Gerrge Sanderson, 

— Henry A, Wade, 

Tenth Francis W. Hughes, 

'""■ ' *- C. B. Gloninger, 

Eleventh Philip Johnson , 

. Charlton Burnett, 
Twelfth Charles Den nison , «rr ' 

A. J. Garrettson, f jf 






16 









First District. 



Democratic National Convention, 

Thirteenth John F. Means, 

David Lowenberg, . 

Fourteenth' Hamilton AllricksV \ \l s~ ' 

William Miller, 
Fifteenth Peter A. Keller, ' v 

H. 0. Egolt, ******' 
Sixteenth Henry J. Stahle, 

B. F. Meyers, 
Seventeenth* - "!*. Bruce Petriken, 

Daniel M. Dule, 

Eighteenth John H. Orvis, 

.. - v.* — «-», Stephen Pierce, ^s^'t- 
Nineteenth C. L. Lamberton, , ,i:_ .-». 

James K. Kerr, _,." 
Twentieth Thomas B. Searight, 

JohnLatta, 
Twenty-first.... William A. Galbraith , 

_ ,. , ; «*--« -William A. Wallace, 
Twenty -second. William D. Patterson, 

Samuel P. Boss, sr!* 
Twenty-third ...James A. McCullough, 

Frank M.JHutchinson, 
Twenty-fourth. .David Crawford, 

Daniel M, Donahoe. 

DELAWARE. 

Delegates at Large, * Alternates. 

James A. Bayard, / James R. Boothe, \ 

John Merritt, / William Bright, I 

Charles Brown, / George W. Cummings, J 

Eli Saulsbury. John W. Hall. V 

District Delegates, \ Alternates, 

.Willard Saulsbury, Alfred P. Robinson, 

Edward L. Martin. H. Hickman, 

MARYLAND. 

Delegates at Large. 

R. B. Carmichael, 
Isaac D. Jones, 
Benjamin Q . Harris, 
Thomas G.Pratt. 

District Delegates. 

First District .... Hiram McCullough, 

John R. Franklin. 
Second William Kimmel, 

George H. Carman, 
Third A. Leo Knott, 

James A. L. McClure, 
Fourth Not reported, 

Not reported, 
Fifth Oden Bowie, 

Sprigg Harwood. 

OHIO. 

Delegates at Large. 

Wiiliam Allen, 

George H. Pendleton, Cincinnati, 

Allen G. Thurman, 

Rufus P. Ranney, Cleveland. 
District Delegates. 
Mrst District.... George Fries, Hamilton, 

George N. Martin, Hamilton, 
Second C. J. W. Smith, Hamilton, 

Alexander Long, Hamilton, 
Third Clement L. Yallandigham, Montgomery, 

Chris Hughes, Butler, 
Fourth.. John L. Winne,?Darke, 

David Loudenback, Champaign, 
Fifth George M. Baxter, Allen, 

C. W. Cowan, Auglaize, 
Sixth Chilton A. White, Brown, 

J. M. Trimble, Highland, 
Seventh Samuel S. Cox, Frankiin, 

Samnel Medary, Franklin, 
Eighth John Y. Glessner, Richland, 

Peyton Hord, Marion, 






First District 

Second 

Third 

Fourth :. 

Fifth 

Sixth 

Seventh , 

Eighth 

Ninth 

Tenth , 

Eleventh 



Democratic National Convention. 

Ninth Charles Powers, Sandusky, 

A. M. Jackson, Crawford, 
Tenth E. S. Piatt, Lucas, 

Edwin Phelps, Deliance, 
Eleventh ....William Newman, Scioto, 

David (J. Vance, Adams, 
Twelfth .E. B. Eshelman, Ross, 

EdsonB. Olds, Fairfield, 

Thirteenth George W. Morgan, Knox, 

t Charles Follett, Licking, 
Fourteenth Thomas J. Kenny, Ashland, 

James A. EstiU, Holmes, 
Fifteenth James R. Morris, Monroe, 

M. D. Follett, Washington, 
Sixteenth David W. Stambaugh, Tuscarawas, 

J. H. Collins, Belmont, 
Seventeenth Archibald McGregor, Stark, 

John H, AVallace, Columbiana, 
Eighteenth Michael Stuart, Portage, 

Samuel W. Gilson, Mahoning, 
Nineteenth Van R. Humphrey, Summit, 

Jabez W. Fitch, Cuyahoga, 

INDIANA. 

Delegates at Large. 

Joseph E. McDonald, Marion, 
James M. Hanna, Sullivan, 
William E. Niblack, Knox, 
A. P. Edgerton, Allen, 

District Delegates. 

.A. T. Whittlesey, Vanderburg, 

Cutler S. Dobbins, Martin, 
.Levi Sparks, Clarke, 

John L. Menaugh, Washington, 

William McEwen, Bar:holemew, 

Mede W. Shields, Jackson, 
.Marcus Levey, Dearborn, 

John S. Campbell, Rush, 
.Luse Develin, Wayne, 

William P. Apple-gate, Fayette, 
.A. B. Oonduitt, Morgan, 

H. H. Dodd, Marion, 
..John G. Davis, Vigo, 

Andy Humphreys, Green, 
.Samuel C. Willson, Montgomery, 

E. F. Lucas, Warren, 
.J. A. Taylor, Cass, 

Horace Corbin, Marshall, 
..David Eft Colerick, Allen, 

E. V. Long, 'Kosciusko, 
. .S. P. Milligan, Huntington, 

David Studabaker, Adams, 

KENTUCKY. 



17 






Attentates, 

Julius Boetticher, Marion,- ■ 
John Pettit, Tippecanoe, 
James W. Gaff. Dearborn, 
Samuel A. Hall, Cass. 

Alternates. 

S. M. Holcomb, Gibson, 
George E. Green, Knox, 
Hamilton Smith, Perry, 
A.M. Black, Orange, 
Sylvanus . Manvill, Brown, 
Thomas Armstrong, Switzerland, 
W. H. Dodd, Ohio, 
James B. Foley, Decatur, 
Charles Gough, Henry, 
Eli Pigman, Union, 
B. W. Cooper, Hancock, 
W. H. Jennings, Johnson, 
Melvin McKee, Putnam, 
Stephen G. Burton, Sullivan, 
William A. Sangster, Fountain, 
J. C. Applegate, Carroll, 
William B. Loughbridge, Miami, 
John C. Walker, Laporte, 
Charles W. Seelev, Elkhart, 
S. W. Sprott, DeKalb, 
Newton Bromell, Wells 
Howard Coe, Grant. 



Regular Democratic Delegation. 



■ 

First District. 

Second 

Third 

Fourth 

Fifth 

Sixth 

Seventh 

Eighth 



Delegates, at Large. 

Charles A. Wickliffe, 

LaztintfrW. Powell, 

J. R. Buchanan, 

William B. Read, 

District Delegates. 
.L. S. Trimble, 

G. W. Rat cliff, 
.William Sweeney, 

L. M. Bernard, Trigg, 
.Travis Cockrill, Barren, 

A. C. Finley, Logan, 
.Charles G. Wlntersmith, Hardin, 

E. A. Graves, Marion, 
.Joshua F. Bullitt, 

Nathaniel Wolfe, Jefferson, 
.Robert Richardson, 

Robert Q. Terrell, 
.Thomas N. Lindsey, Franklin, 

Jesse S. Burrows, 
.E. F. Halloway, 

William B. Smith, 



Alternates. 
John W. Leathers, Kenton, 
W. A. Dudley, 
R. C. Palmer, 
L. M. Cox, 

Alternat.s. 
James Fleming, 
William Nolen, 
R. 11. Houston, 
William P. D. Bush, 
George C. Rogers, Warren, 
John Doanan, Hart, 
R. C. Palmer, Washington, 
William J. Heady, Bullitt, 
Asa P. Grover, Owen, 
James Speer, Oldham, 
William M. Fisher, 
0. P. Hogan, Grant, 
Ambrose W. Dudley, Franklin, 
George W. Craddock, Franklin, 
Not appointed, 
Not appointed, 



18 Democratic National Convention. 

Ninth Thomas Turner, Montgomery, J. M. Alexander, 

Van B. Young, Bath. Not appointed. 

Union Democratic Delegation. 
Delegates at Large. A ttemates. 

James Guthrie, Louisville, R. T. Jacobs, Oldham, 

James F. Robinson, Scott, Zeb. Ward, Woodford. 

Joseph R. Underwood, Warren, Benjamin Perkins, Todd, 

T. T. Garrard, Clay. James White, Clay. 

District Delegates. Alternates. 

First District J. E. Thompson, Trigg. "W. W. Gardner, Union, " 

S. P. Cope, McCracken.. William Beadles, Graves. 

Second ....John B. Bruner, Breckenridge. B. L. D. Guffy, Butler, 

Henry D. McHenry, Ohio, ' J. R. Strange, Mecklenburg, 

Third J. C. Ailkins, Warren, J. F. Lauck, Simpson. 

David King, Logan. J. Dawson, Hart, 

Fourth James P. Barbour, Washington. Thomas W. Owings, Meade r 

S. B. Thomas, Hardin. Joseph Chandler, Taylor, 

Fifth Hamilton Pope, Louisville. Gibson Mallory, Jefferson, 

J. B. English, Owen. H. M. Buckley, Henry, 

Sixth Thornton F. Marshall, Bracken. E. H. Smith, Grant, 

John W. Menzie^, Keaton. S. T. Hauser, Pendleton, 

Seventh Richard W. Hanson, Bourbon. John B. Huston, Fayette. 

Thomas W. Varnon, Lincoln. John B. Temple, Franklin, 

Eighth E. L. Vanwinkle,'.Pulaski, C. E. Bowman, Garrard, 

W. J. Lusk, Garrard. Henry Bruce, Garrard, 

Ninth John M. Duke, Mason. B. Apperson, Jr., Montgomery,, 

W. L. Sudduth.Bath. John Wood, Lewis. 

ILLINOIS. 
Delegates at Large. Alternates. 

John M. Douglas, Chicago William M. Jackson, 

Samuel S. Marshall, Hamilton, George W. Wall, 

John D, Caton, Lasalle, Samuel K. Casey, 

Peter Sweat, Peoria. B. S. Prettyman, 

District Delegates. Alternates. 

First Dhsti'iet Melville W. Fuller, Chicago, Lambert Tree, Chicago, 

B. G. Caulfield, Chicago, John C. Garland, Chicago,. 

Second A. M. Harrington Kane, William Price, Lake, 

J. S. Ticknor, Winnebago, Thomas Hopkins, DeKalb, 

Third David Sheean, Jo Daviess, Samuel Strawder, Whiteside, 

J. B. Smith, Stephenson, George D. Read, Ogle, . 

Fourth Thomas Redmond, Adams, Dennis Smith, Hancock, 

Azro Patterson, Warren, G. W. Gates, Rock Island, 

Fifth William W. O'Brien, Peoria, Thomas McGee, 

Justus Stephens, Bureau, George Dent, Putnam, 

Sixth R. N. Murray, Kankakee, John Thompson, DuPage, 

Lewis Steward, Kendall, P. A. Armstrong, Grundy, 

Soventh Henry Prather, Macon, John Garrard, 

Joseph Bodman. Philip Meyer, 

Eighth Thomas L. Rogers, McLean, Samuel Maxwell, Livingston, 

Virgil Hickox, Sangamon, A. M. Miller, Logan, 

Ninth H. L. Bryant, Fulton, N. B. Beer, Cass, 

W. R. Archer, Pike, Edward Banning, Menard, 

Tenth John T. Springer, Morgau, T. P. Bond, Bond, 

Robert W. Davis, Montgomery, John M. Woodson, Macoupin, 

Eleventh. . ^. J. J. R. Turney, Wayne, John W. Merritt, Marion, 

John Schofield, Glark, D. M. Christian, Clay, 

Twelfth Amos Watts, Washington, R. J. Smith, Randolph, 

Robert P. Tansey, Madison, W. T. Brown, Madison, 

Thirteenth... William H. Green, Alexander, Charles E. McDowell, 

John D. Richeson, Gallatin, Charles Burnett, 

AtLayge Orlando B. Ficklin, Coles, S. P. Shope, 

Samuel A. Buckmaster, Madison. H. W. Billings. 

MICHIGAN. . 
Delegates at Large, Alternates. 

John S. Barry, J. C. Comnbury, 

Augustus C. Baldwin, Oakland, William M. Fenton, Geneseo, 

Alpheus Felch, Washtenaw, Peter Klein, Wayne, 

Nathan Barlow. David A. Noble, Monroe. 
District Delegates. Alternates. 

First District Theodore J. Campau, Wayne, William S. Edwards 

David A. Noble, Monroe, Henry Hart, Lenawee, 

Second , Rufus W. Landon, William Francis, 

Clark S. Potter, Henry Warner, 

Third George W. Peck, Ingham, John M . French, 

David Johnson, S. D. Wooley, 






Democratic National Convention, 



19 



Fourth Henry Fralick. 

Samuel W. Odell, 
Fifth William L. Bancroft, 

J.M. Wattles, 
Sixth Hugh McCurdy, 

Michael Jefiwrs. 

MISSOURI. 

Delegates at Large. 

Christian Kribben, 

D. C. Tuttle, 

W. A. Hall, 

Robert Wilson. 

District Delegates. 
First District L. V. Bogy, 

J. A. Billings, 
Second D. H. Armstrong, 

W. E. Clark, 
Third F. A. Rozier, 

Philip Pipkin, 
Fourth John S. Phelps, 

Semple Orr, 
Fifth Thomas L. Price, 

A. M. Forbes, 
Sixth James H. Moss, 

John B. Hale, 
Seventh A. M. Woolfolk, 

S. S. McGibbons, 
Eighth.... Weston F. Birch, Glasgow, 

Fred Rowlands, 
Ninth R. A. Campbell, 

W. A. Alexander. 

MINNESOTA. 

Delegates at Large. 
John B. Brisbine, 
Henry T. Wells, 
Michael Doran, 
J. H. McKenney, 

District Delegates. 

First District Charles H. Berry, 

J. B. LeBlond, 
Second Edward 0. Hamlin. 

C. H. Lienau. 

WISCONSIN. 

Delegates at Large. 
George H. Paul, Milwaukee, 
Satterlee Clark, 
M. M. Cothren, 
George B. Smith, 

District Delegates. 
First District Thomas Falvey, 

E. G. Ryan, 
Second John Winans, 

•A. G. Cook, 
Third Charles G. Rodolph, 

PhiloA. Orton, Jr., 
Fourth D. W. Maxon, 

H; N. Smith, 
Fifth E. W. Enos, 

John Parker, 
Sixth W. T. Galloway, 

L. P. Powers. 

IOWA. 

Delegates at Large. 
Augustus C. Dodge. 
Jerry II. Murphy, 
J. F. Bates, 

D. 0. Finch. 

District Delegates, 
First District Charles Negus, 

William Patterson, 
Second W. P. Frory, 

L. B. Dunham, 
Third...... G. W. Gray, 

O. H. P. Roszell, 
Fourth .Reuben Mickk, 



Mandy D. Howard, 
John Lewis, 
W. S. Wells, 
J. M. Hoyt, Oakland, 
Henry J. Buckley, 
Charles Plumstead. 



Alternates. 
N. C. Claiborne, 
Noah Steckey, 
N. P. Cook, 
R. P. Edmonson. 

Alternates. 
James C. Edwards, 
George Penn, 
R. M. Rcnick, 
0. B. Kildan, 
Henry L. Caldwell, 
William A. Matthews, 
M. J. Hubble, 
John Gullet", 
W. G. Wear, 
R. Q. Roach, 
A. T. Winsor, 
J. H. Birch, Jr., 
E. C. Thomas, 
E. Parrott, 
Gilchrist Porter, 
Charles A. McNair, 
M. W. Robinson, 
John E. Hutton. 



Alternates. 
John A. Peckham, 
William H. Noble, 
James King, 
B. F. Tillotson, 

Alternates. 
M. K. Drew, 
H. K. Belden, 
L. H. Eddey, 
Joseph Ullmann. 



Alternates. 
Joshua Ladue, 
•James Yolmar, 
J. C. Gregory, 
L. W. Graves. 

Alternates. 
P. Carney, 
John Wilson, 
G. D. Warslow, 
N. H. Wood, 
B. F. Fay, 
A. Carson, 
L. G. Dick, 
J. R. Bohan, 
S. A. Pease, 
John P. Hume, 
J. W. Beardsley, 
L. M. Hawley. 

Alternates. 
E. B. Bolens, 
S. W- Dunham, 
Jacob Stark, 
L. D. Palmer. 

Alternate*. 
Thomas Christy, 
John L. Collins, 
N. G. Sales, 
George Murray, 
CD. Shambaugh, 
S. D. Tupper, 
P. H. Bosquet, 



20 Democratic National Convention. 

Lemuel B. Patterson, A. L. Kimball, 

Fifth M, D. McIIenry, J. C. Watson, 

L.D.Burns, R. B. Parrott, 

Sixth E. B. Potter, W. Mullarkey, . 

John Currier. C. C. Smettzer. 
KANSAS. 

Delegates at Large. 
Wilson Shannon, 
William C, McDowell, 
L. B. Wheat, 
H. J. Stridell. 
J)istrici Delegates. 

First District Orlin Thurston, 

F. P. Fitzwilliam. 

CALIFORNIA. 

Delegates at Large. 
John B. Weller, 
John G-. Downey, 
■ John Bigler, 
Thomas Hayes. 

District Delegates. 

First District S. B. Stevens, 

Clayton Witherel, ' 
Second J. S. Berry, 

0. S. Weller, 
Third William Joy Whipple, 

C. D. Semple. 

OREGON. 

Delegatus at Large. 
Benjamin Stark, 
John Whiteaker, 
William McMillen, 
L. P. lligbee. 

District Delegates. 

First District Jefferson Howell, 

N. T. Caton. 

PRESENTATION OF THE RESOLUTIONS PASSED BY THE CONSERVATIVE 
UNION NATIONAL CONVENTION. 

Mr. F. W. HUGHES, of Pennsylvania: The Committee on Permanent Organi- 
zation, to whom was'referred the selection of officers, and the adoption of rules for 
the government of this body, have unanimously agreed upon the following report — 

Mr. COX, of Ohio: I understand, sir, that the Hon. Amos Kendall is present 
and desires to present a eommunication to this body. I make a motion, sir, that he 
be allowed to do so. 

Mr. MICHAEL STEWART, of Ohio : I move that it be preferred to the Commit- 
tee on Resolutions without being read. 

Mr. MILLER, of Pennsylvania: I trust that the gentleman will withdraw that 
motion, and that the commnnication will be read. I think this gentleman should 
be heard. The most insignificant communication or resolution presented to the con- 
vention has been read, and this should be. 

Mr. STUART, of Ohio : At the request of Mr. Cox I withdraw my motion. 

The following communication was then read : 

" Chicago, August 80, 1864. 
"Mr. President : By direction of the Conservative Union National Convention, held in this city 
on the 27th inst., the undersigned have the honor to present to the Democratic National Convention 
a series of resolutions adopted by the former body on that occasion. 
(Signed,) "Yours, respectfully, 

"Amos Kkndall, 
"R. J. Stevens, Secretary. "President National Convention. 

Whereas, The administration, in disregard of the constitution, has proclaimed its adherence to a 
line of policy alike destructive to the liberties of the people, the integrity of the States, and the rights 
reserved to them, and calculated not only to impel the sections North and South to interminable 
war, to bring financial ruin upon all, and has proved its want of disposition and utter inability to 
administer the government in the spirit of its founders ; and 

Whereas, It is incumbent on all national administrations, and all delegates and political bodies, to 
respect the wishes of the people and de r end their rights ; and , 

Whereas, We ha ve this day assembled in national convention for deliberation and guch action as 



Democratic National Convention. 



21 



will most lead to unite the conservative elements in opposition to the re-election of Mr. Lincoln and 
the continuance of his policy; and 

Whereas, The people ol the whole country have an undying attachment to the old Union, and a joint 
interest in Bunker Hill and Motmt Veinon, which they will never surrender ; therefore 

Resolved, That we will maintain the Union and Constitution. 

Resolved, That the only peaceful solution of existing evils lies through the unrestrained exercise 
of our elective rights at the coming election, the displacement of the present administration and its 
policy, and the guarantee to all the people of the States of their constitutional rights, by the elec- 
tion of a President upon whose integrity, patriotism, and ability the country can salelyrely. 

Resolved, That the declaration of Southern leaders «nd the recent announcement of Mr. 
Lincoln of the only conditions upon which they will respectively listen to terms of peace, are alike 
impracticable and derogatory to the intelligence of the American people, and that, in opposition 
thereto, we are in favor of the earliest peace attainable on the basis of the constitution and the Union, 

Resolved, That we concur in the action of the Union Conservative National Convention, held at 
Independence Hall, in the city of Philadelphia, on the 23d day of December, 1S63, and reiterate the 
nomination by the people of Gen. George B. McClellan, believing that his triumphant election is 
certain, and will result in immediate peace, with the restoration of the government ; and, In case of 
his nomination by that body, we pledge the cordial and united support of the conservative men of 
country to their iitata electoral tickets. 

Resolved, That the services of our soldiers in the field, and the sufferings of those languishing in 
prison, can only be compensated for by the sympathy of our people and early termination ef their 
mutual efforts in an honorable peace, and the reunion of our confederacy, without a star blotted or 
a stripe erased from our national ensign. 

Resolved, That the Conservative Union National Committee is hereby continued and empowered to 
take such further action as maybe necessary for the purposes of the organization, with reference 
to the future, the maintenance of the Union, and the preservation of constitutional liberty. 

[When the name of Gen. McClellan was mentioned in reading these resolutions, it 
was greeted with such a demonstration of applause as must have satisfied everyone of 
the deep hold he has upon the public heart Throughout the vast audience, and 
from the delegates' platform, cheer after cheer went up for the popular favorite that 
for many minutes interrupted the business of the Convention.] 

Mr. COX, of Ohio: I move, sir, to refer this communication to the Committee on 
Resolutions. 

Mr. MILLER, of Pennsylvania : Mr. President, whatever disposition may be made 
of the communication which has just been read, I would respectfully offer as an 
amendment that it be made part of, and be interpolated in the proceedings of the 
Convention. [Cheers.] 

The PRESIDENT : It will become a part of the proceedings of the Convention as 
a matter of course. 

Mr. OLDS, of Ohio : Is it in order to offer an amendment to the amendment ? 

The PRESIDENT: It is. 
"$ Mr. OLDS, of Ohio: I understand that there is another political body in session 
in this city, called the Sons of Liberty, and I am told they have addressed a com- 
munication to this Convention. And, if the communication, which has just been 
read, be incorporated into the minutes, I would move in amendment that the report 
of the Sons of Liberty be also incorporated into the minutes. [Cheers and laugh- 
ter.] 

1 ^ Mr. MILLER, of Pennsylvania : In answer to the delegate from Ohio, I would say, 
I do not care what is incorporated in the proceedings, if it but contain such senti- 
ments as are contained in the communication which has just been read. [Cheers.] 

Mr. OLDS then withdrew his amendment, and thereupon the resolutions were 
referred to the Committee on Resolutions. 

THE PERMANENT ORGANIZATION. 

Mr. HUGHES, of Pennsylvania, Chairman of the Committee on Permanent Organ- 
ization and Rules for the Government of the Convention, reported, recommending 
to the Convention, for its selection, the following officers : 

president : 

His Excellency, HORATIO SEYMOUR, of New York. 
YICE presidents: 



/ 



Joseph Chase, of Maine, 
Jared W. Williams, of New Hampshire, 
Erasmus D. Beach, of Massachusetts, 
B. H. Smalley, of Yermont, 
George Taylor, of Connecticut, 
Alfred Anthony, of Rhode Island, 



S. W. Gilson, of Ohio, 
M. W. Shields, of Indiana, 
0. B. Ficklin, of Illinois, 
John S. Barry, of Michigan, 
John S. Phelps, of Missouri, 
John A. Peckhanij of Minnesota, 



f) r> 



Democratic National Convention, 



Gideon J. Tucker, of New York, 
Andrew B. Cobb, of New Jersey, 
Asa Packer, of Pennsylvania, 
Isaac I). Jones, of Maryland, 
John Merritt, of Delaware. 
James, P. Kobinson, of Kentucky, 



D. W. Maxon, of Wisconsin, 
William Patterson, of Iowa, 
J. S. Berry, of California, 
H. J. Strickler, of Kansas, 
William McMiller, of Oregon, 



RECORDING SECRETARIES 



William II. Simpson, of Maine, 

A. S. Wait, of New Hampshire, * 

S. B. Phinney, of Massachusetts, 

L. S. Partridge, of Vermont, 

P. L. Allen, of Connecticut. 

Thomas A. Reynolds, of BhodeTisland, 

James S. Thayer, of New York, 

Joseph D. Diddle, of New Jersey, 

Prank M. Hutchinson, of Pennsylvania, 

James A. L. McClure, of Maryland, 

Edward L. Martin, of Delaware, 

James P. Barbour, of Kentucky, 



E. B. Eshelman, of Ohio, 

A. T. Whittlesey, of Indiana, 
W. W. O'Brien, o! Illinois, 
Theodore J. Campau, of Michig?n, 
J. A. Billings, of Missouri, 
John H. MeKinney, of Minnesota, 
Philo Orton, of Wisconsin, 
John ©urrier, of Iowa, 
William J. Whipple, of California, 

F. P. Fitzwilliam, of Kansas, 
L. P. Higbee, of Oregon. 



READING SECRETARIES : 

E. 0. Perrin, of New York, j Moses M. Strong, of Wisconsin. 

IeAac R. Diller, of Illinois, | 

The COMMITTEE further reported, recommending that the rules and regulations 
adopted by the Democratic National Convention of 1860 be adopted by this Con- 
vention for its government. 

Mr. C. L. LAMBERTON, of Pennsylvania: I beg to move that the report be 
adopted. 

The motion was unanimously agreed to, and Gov. Seymour was conducted to the 
chair amidst the most enthusiastic plaudits. It was hardly known until he was seen 
moving down the aisle toward the speaker's chair, that the motion had been put to 
a vote — it was done so quietly; but when he appeared upon the stand and bowed a 
gracious acknowledgement, the delegates and the thousands of persons in the gal- 
leries became frantic with enthusiasm. The air was darkened with one grand flour- 
ish of hats and handkerchiefs ; the delegates arose from their seats and joined in a 
grand chorus of applause ; men in the galleries swung their hats and cheered till 
they were hoarse ; and for several minutes the shouts of the vast multitude 
were deafening. 

The Yice Presidents having been duly seated to the right and left of the chair, 

The PRESIDENT arose amid another rapturous outburst of applause, and^spoke 
as follows : 

SPEECH OF GOYERNOR SEYMOUR. 

Gentlemen of the Contention : I thank you for the high honor you have con" 
ferred upon me in making me President of this body. The importance of the occa- 
sion has already been expressed in fitting words by your temporary chairman. I 
have not language to tell with what anxious solicitude the people of this country 
watch our proceedings. The prayers of men and women in ten thousand homes go 
up to heaven that we may be. so guided in our deliberations that our action may 
conduce to the restoration of our Union, to the return of peace, and the mainten- 
ance of liberty in this land. [Cheers.] 

It is not, for me to forecast your action — it is not for me to say what methods 
may be adopted to relieve this afflicted country of ours. But while I may not speak 
on that subject, T can, with propriety, allude to the sentiments which animate you. 
all. There is no man here who does not love the Uniom [Cheers.] There is no 
man here who does not desire peace. [Cheers.] There is no man here who is not 
resolved to uphold the great principles of constitutional freedom. [Applause.] 

I know that the utmo3t importance attaches to all your proceedings. I know it 
is of vital consequence that you should select such men, as your candidates, as enjoy 
the confidence of the American people. But beyond platforms and beyond candi- 
dates, there are other considerations of still greater significance and importance. 
When you wish to know what the policy of party will be, you must strive xo learn 
the passions and sentiments which animate that party. Four years ago, in this city, 
there was an assemblage of eitizens from the different parts of our country, who met 
here for the purpose of placing in nomination a candidate for the Presidency. They 
put forth declarations that they would not interfere with the rights of the States of 



Democratic Notional Convention. 23 

this Union. They did not intend to destroy our country — they did not mean to 
break down its institution;-;. But unhappily they were influenced by sectional preju- 
dices, by fanaticism, by bigotry, and by intolerance ; and we have found in the course 
of the last four years that their animating sentiments have overruled their declara- 
tions and their promises, and swept them on, step by step, until they have been 
carried on to actions from which at the outset tiiey would have shrunk away with 
horror. Even now, when war has desolated our laud, has laid its heavy burthens 
upon labor, when bankruptcy and ruin overhang us, they will not have Union except 
upon conditions unknown ?to our constitution; they will not let the shedding of 
blood cease, even for a little time, to see if Christian charity, or the wisdom of 
statesmaship may not work out a method to save our country. lS T ay, more than this, 
they will not listen to a proposal for peace which does not offer that which this gov- 
ernment has no right to ask. "^-^ 
( This administration cannot now save this Union if it would. It has, by its procla- \ 
mations, by vindictive legislation, by displays of hate and passion, placed obstacles 
in its own pathway which it cannot overcome, and has hampered its own freedom of 
action by unconstitutional acts. It cannot be said that the failure of its policy is 
due to the want of courage and devotion on the part of our armies. [Cheers.] 
Never in the world's history have soldiers gfven up their lives more freely than have 
those of the armies which have battled for the flag of our Union in the Southern 
States. The world will hold that they have done all that arms can do ; and had 
wise statesmanship secured the fruits of their victories, to-day there would have 
been peace in. our land. [Much applause.] But while our soldiers have desperately 
struggled to carry our banner southward to the Gulf of Mexico, even now the gov- 
ernment declares that rebellious discontent has worked northward to the shores of 
the great lakes. The guaranteed right of the people to bear arms has been sus- 
pended by the edict of a General up to the very borders of Canada; so that American 
servitude is put in bold contrast with British liberty. This administration thus 
declares to the world it has now no faith in the people of States whose votes placed 
at in power ; and it also admits by such edict that these peon^6 have no faith in this 
•administration. While those in power, without remorse, sacrifice the blood andr* 
•treasure of our people, they will not give up their own passions for the public good* 
This Union is not held asunder by military ambition. If our political troubles could 
be referred to the peaceful arbitrament of the contending armies in the field, our 
Union would be restored, the rights of States would be guaranteed, the sacredness 
of homes and persons again respected, and an insulted judiciary would again 
administer the laws of the land. Let not the ruiu of our country be charged to our 
soldiers. It is not due to their teachings or their fanaticism. In my constant offi- 
cial intercourse with them, I have never heard uttered one sentiment of hatred 
towards the people of the South. Beyond all men they value the bessings of peace 
and the virtues of mercy, of gentleness and of charity ; while many who stay at 
home cry havoc, and demand that no mercy shall be shown. The bigotry of fanatics 
•and the intrigues of placemen have made the bloody pages of the history of the past 
three years. 

But if the administration cannot save this Union, we can. [Loud applause. J Mr. 
Lincoln values many things above the Union ; we put it first of all. [Continued 
cheering.] He thinks a proclamation worth more than peace ; we think the blood of % 
our people more precious than the edicts of the President. [Cheers.] There are no 
hindrances in our pathways to Union and to peace. We demand no conditions for 
the restoration of our Union; we are shackled with no hates, no prejudices, no i 
passions. We wish for fraternal relationship with the people of the South. [Ap- 
plause.] We demand for them what we demand for ourselves— the full recognition 
of the rights of States. We mean that every star on our nation's banner shall 
shine with an equal lustre. 

In the coming election men must decide with which of the two parties, into 
which our people are divided, they will act. If they wish for the Union they will 
act with that party which does now and always did love and reverence that Union. 
If they wish for peace, they will act with those who sought to avert this war, and 
who now seek to restore goodwill and harmony among all sections of our country. 
If they care for their rights as persons and the sacredness of their homes, they 
will act with those who have stood up to resist arbitrary arrests, despotic legisla- 



/ 



24 Democratic National Convention. 

tion, and the overthrow of the judiciary. [Loud and continued applause.] If, 
upon the other hand, they are willing to continue the present policy of government 
and condition of affairs, let them act with that organization which made the present 
condition of our country. And there are many good men who will be led to do 
this by their passions and prejudices; and our land swarms with placemen who 
will hold upon power and plunder with a deadly grasp. But as for us, we are 
resolved that the party who have made the history of our country, since their 
advent to pow T er, seem like some unnatural and terrible dream shall be overthrown. 
[Applause]. Four years ago it had its birth upon this spot. Let us see, by our 
action, that it shall die here where it was born. [Loud and continued cheering.] ; 
In the political contest in which we are now engaged, we do not seek partisan 
advantages. We are battling for the rights of those who belong to all political 
organizations. We mean that their rights of speech shall be unimpaired, although 
that right may be used to denounce us. We intend that rights of conscience shall 
be protected, although mistaken views of duty may turn the temples of religion 
into theatres for partisan denunciation. We mean that home rights and the sacred- 
ness of the fireside shall be respected by those in authority, no matter what political, 
views may be held by those who sit beneath their roof-trees. When the democratic 
party shall have gained power, we shall not be less, but more tenacious upon these 
subjects. We have forborne much because those who are now charged with the 
conduct of public affairs knew but little about the principles of our government. 
We were unwilling to present an appearance of factious opposition. But when. we 
shall have gained power, that official who shall violate one principle of law, one 
single right of the humblest man in our land, shall be punished by the full rigor of 
the law ; it matters not if he sits in the Presidential chair or hold a humbler office 
under our government. [Cheers.] 

We have had upon this floor a touching and significant proof of the folly of this 
administration, who have driven from its support those upon whom it chiefly leaned 
at the outset of this rebellion ; when their hopes, even for their own personal safety, 
'-hung upon the noble men of the border States, [loud and continued cheering,] who, 
under circumstances most trying, severed family relations and ancient associations, 
to uphold the flag of our Union. Many of these men are members of this conven- 
tion. They bear impressed upon their countenances and manifest in their persons 
he high and generous purposes which animate them ; and yet it is true — great God, 
that it should be true[! — that they are stung with a sense of the injustice and ingrati- 
tnde of low and unworthy men, who have insulted and wronged them, their families 
and their rights, by vindictive legislation or through the agency of miserable dis- 
dishonored subordinates. [Cheers.] 

Gentlemen, I trust that our proceedings will be marked by harmony. I believe 
we shall all be animated by the greatness of this occasion. It may be — in all pro- 
bability it is true — that the future destinies of our country hang upon our action. 
Let this consideration inspire us with a spirit of harmony. God of 6ur fathers 
bless us now ; lift us above all personal consideration ; fill us with a just sense of 
the great responsibilities which rest upon us, and give again to our land its Union, 
its peace, and its liberty. 

[Enthusiastic and long continued cheering followed the conclusion of Gov. Sey- 
mour's remarks. The entire assemblage participated, and thousands of voices 
united in pouring forth round after round of tumultuous applause. When the en- 
thusiasm had only partially subsided,] 

The PRESIDENT came forward, and addressing the assemblage, said: I wish to 
say one word to '.the audience here assembled. The delegates who compose this 
convention have come up from different parts of the Union for the purpose of acting 
upon your most important interests. We are most happy that you should be the 
witnesses of our proceedings, but one thing you must bear in mind: That you are 
not members of this body, and, while our hearts will be cheered to find that patri- 
otic sentiments are received as patriotic sentiments should be by the American people, 
you must not undertake to attempt to influence the deliberations of the Convention, 
or allow your feelings to take such form of expression as are unbecoming in the 
presence of those upon whom rest the responsibilities of the occasion. [Cheers, 
followed by loud calls for Vallandigham, mingled with applause and hisses.] 



Democratic j^ational Convention. 25 

ACTION OF THE COMMITTEE ON EESOLUTIONS. 

The PRESIDENT then inquired if the Committee on Resolutions were ready to 
report. 

Mr. GUTHRIE, of Kentucky: We are not yet ready.' The members of the Com- 
mittee met last evening &nd remained in consultation until one o'clock. They talked 
over all the subject matters deemed proper or necessary in relation to the formation 
of the platform that we should report here to the consideration of the Convention. 
They referred to a sub-committee the subject of drawing them up for presentation 
when this convention should have its forenoon meeting. I will further state that we 
are not without hopes that in this great emergency we shall come to a conclusion 
that will receive the approbation, as we fully believe, of the entire democratic 
party of the United States. If, unfortunately for us, for the country, for its liberties, 
constitutional and civil, we are doomed to fail, it will not be from a hearty disposi- 
tion to meet this great emergency. We are those who have determined from the 
beginning not to despair of the Republic. [Cheers.] Our counsels have been, our 
counsels will be, to maintain the constitution, to maintain the Union of the States, 
and secure the earliest possible honorable peace. [Applause.] 

Mr. JOHN" B. WELLER, of California: As chairman of the sub-committee, I am 
satisfied that the Committee will be able to report to an adjourned meeting at four 
6*clock. ■ 

Mr. BROWN, of Delaware : I move that when the Convention adjourn it adjourn 
to that hour. I have no doubt the Convention will approve of the action of the 
Committee, and we shall be able to conclude our action this afternoon. 

The question having tfeen asked whether the sub-committee would report to the 
standing committee or to the Convention, 

Mr. BROWN, of Delaware : It is understood that the general committee will be 
able to report to the Convention at four o'clock. 

Mr. TILDEN, of New York : The general committtee on the subject of resolu- 
tions was in session until a very late hour last night. It concluded its labors by 
referring the subject to a sub-committee. That sub-committee has been in session 
this morning, and is approximating, a 5 * rapidly as could be expected, to an agree- 
ment upon all questions before it. In the meantime, the general committee has 
adjourned to meet immediately after your rejournment to-day. Mr. Vallandigham, 
I understand, doubts whether wc can be ready at four o'clock ; Mr. Guthrie rather 
hopes that we can, and I think Gov. Weller, chairman of the sub-committee, entertains 
a similar hope. I wish to make this explanation, that the Convention may know 
that it is not a matter of certainty, and may adopt such an order for the progress 
of its own business as it may deem expedient. I wish to add that upon the adjourn- 
ment of the general committee and the conclusion of its labors for the day, there was 
no dissent among the members ; but I understand it was the opinion of some gen- 
tlemen of the Committee that the clerical labor of getting these papers into shape 
could not be entirely completed at four o'clock. 

Mr. CASS, of Pennsylvania, moved in amendment that when the Convention 
adjourn it adjourn till to-morrow at ten o'clock. 

Mr. BROWN, of Delaware : It is the desire of this convention, that the Committee 
shall be ready at four o'clock. I take the liberty to state, as one of that committee, 
that there is not the slightest dissension among us. We have been a unit from the 
first. [Cheers.] The only reason why it has not reported this morning has been a 
desire on the part of some gentlemen to procrastinate and waste time. If it is the 
wish of this convention to close its labors wisely and well, it will adjourn to four 
o'clock. 

Mr. JOHN McKEON, of New York: It is pretty evident by the statements made 
by the several members of the Committee on Resolutions, that they can come to a 
conclusion by four o'clock. I understand, by the gentleman from Delaware, that 
they are almost agreed, and there is but one" man hesitating about it ; and I am in 
favor of giving directions to the Committee to report by four o'clock. I do not be- 
lieve there will be any division in the convention on the subject of a platform after 
it is reported. There is a feeling here in favor of harmonizing, which cannot be 
disturbed. [Cheers.] I want that we shall come from this convention showing to 
the whole world that the democratic party is a unit. [Renewed cheering.] I 
want, therefore, that we shall act without delay, and that the Committee report at 



26 Democratic National Convention. 

four o'clock. If the platform is so long that it requires such a clerical force as inti- 
mated to copy it out, it ought not to be adopted. [Laughter and applause, mingled 
with loud cries of "question."] 

Mr. CASS, of Pennsylvania: I am as anxious as any of you here can be to con- 
clude the proceedings, and I have every belief that you have that they will reach a 
happy termination. I think myself that if the resolutions are long they should not 
be passed; but that is not the question. The question is, what sort of resolutions 
the Committee will report. I only wish to say that 1 am assured by a member of 
that sub-committee, Mr. Yallandigham, that it will be impossible in his opinion to 
have that report this evening, and, 'if you come here this afternoon, it will be a loss 
of time. This information I consider necessary to your action in the matter. 

Mr. YALLANDIGHAM, of Ohio: t [Amid cheers aud some hisses.] I rise only 
to say that I concur in the remarks of the gentleman from Pennsylvania, that this 
committee will not be prepared to report by four o'clock ; but that, with perfect 
harmony and unanimity — should the Convention adjourn— we will be ready to pre- 
sent such a report to-morrow morning as will be entirely satisfactory to the demo- 
cratic and conservative masses of the eountiy. [Applause.] 

Mr. JOHN B.WELLER, of California: The sub-committee has been in session all 
the morning, and has agreed upon the only portion of the platform that by any possi- 
bility could divide the party. [Cheers.] We were all in favor of peace, [renewed 
cheering], and the only difference of opinion was as to the phraseology to be used 
in making that declaration. We have agreed in the sub-committee to present it in 
an unmistakable form. [Enthusiastic applause.] If, therefore, at four o'clock, we 
are not able to make a complete report, we will be able t'o^report on the only ques- 
tion on which there could be any controversy of opinion here ; and, therefore, I 
hope we will adjourn until four o'clock. 

The motion to adjourn until to-morrow was then put and lost. 

Mr. LAMBERTON, of Pennsylvania, desired to know if the voices voting 'were 
those of delegates or outsiders. 

The PRESIDENT said he believed they were delegates. 

Mr! SMITH, of Wisconsin: I wish to state, Mr. President, that if the Convention 
shall adjourn now, the Committee On Resolutions will be prepared to report to the 
Convention at four o'clock. If the Convention continue deliberating, the Committee 
will have no'fime to take up the resolutions and meet the Convention at four o'clock. 
If the Convention adjourn. now, the Committee can agree on a report ; for, as it 
has been said here just now/^there is no difference in the Committee except upon 
mere matters of expression. [Applause.] We are all of us for peace on the basis 
of the Union and the Constitution — [loud cheers] — and we are ready to agree to 
this when we can get the matter into form. We sat up late last night, or rather 
this morning till one o'clock, hearing the expression of individual opinion, till all of 
lis were too weary to do the manual labor required in order to perfect the resolu- 
tions, I hope the Convention will adjourn till four o'clock — will adjourn now, and at 
that hour adopt the platform, put a. candidate upon it, and go forth to the people. 
[Loud cheers.] 

ADJOURNMENT. 

Mr. POWELL, of Kentucky: I move that the Convention now adjourn to meet 
again at four o'clock this afternoon. 

A DELEGATE from New York : I now move as an amendment to the motion 
that the Committee on Resolutions shall have leave to retire and report the plat- 
form to the Convention at four o'clock. Withdrawn. 

Mr. PRESIDENT : I think it would be better for the Convention to adjourn now, 
till four o'clock. 

Mr. A. G. THURMAN, of Ohio : Before the main question is put, as I suppose it 
will carry, I wish to suggest that some one should inform us how we are to get 
into the building again after we get out. 

The,, PRESIDENT : The Secretary will attend to that. j 

The SECRETARY) I have to announce for the information of delegates that 
they will receive tickets at the door as they go out, in order to gain admission this 
afternoon; and that all persons who receive tickets for seats in the hall, will resume 
possession of them at the doors as they pass out. 

Mr. CHARLES, W. CARRIGAN, of Pennsylvania: I make the Suggestion that 



Democratic National Convention. 2*1 

the chairman of delegations receive from the doorkeeper the numbor of tickets 
each delegation is entitled to, and that they distribute them to'the delegates. 

The SECRETARY : I am requested to state that the chairman of each delegation 
will receive immediately after the adjournment the number of tickets to which his 
delegation is entitled. 

The PRESIDENT : The question is, Shall the Convention now adjourn till four 
o'clock this afternoon ? 

The motion was carried and the Convention accordingly adjourned. 



AFTERNOON SESSION". 

The Convention reassembled, pursuant to adjournment, at four o'clock in the 
afternoon. 

The PRESIDENT: The Chairman of the Committee on Resolutions is now pre- 
pared to report. [Applause.] t 

Mr. GUTHRIE of Kentucky: The Committee on Resolutions, after the ' 
greatest amount of consideration they have been able to give, in the time they have 
had to consider the subject, have directed me to report six resolutions, as express- 
ive of the position of the democracy, and their opinions in these perilous times, as 
to what- is necessary to be done. The Secretary of the Committee will read the 
resolutions. 

Mr. WILLI AMf WALLACE, of Pennsylvania, Secretary of the Committee, then 
read the following ' 

RESOLUTIONS : 

He-solved, That in the future, as in the past, we will adhere with unswerving fidelity to the 
Union under the Constitution as the only solid foundation of our strength, security and happiness as 
a people, and as a framewbrk of government equally conducive to the welfare and prosperity of 
all the States, both northern and southern. 

Resolved, That this eonvention does explicitly declare, as the sense of the American people, that 
a*ter lour years of failure to restore the Union by, the experiment of war, during which, under the 
pretence of a military necessity, or war power higher than the Constitution, the Con&titution itself 
has been disregarded in every part, and public liberty and private right alike trodden down and the >• 
material prosperity of the country esscutially impaired,— justice, humanity, liberty and the public 
welfare demand that immediate efforts be made for a cessation of hostilities, with a view to an 
ultimate convention of the States, or other peaceable means, to the end that at the earliest practica- 
ble moment peaee may be restored, on the basis of the Federal Union of the States. 

Unsolved, Thai the direct interference of the military authorities of the United StateE in the re- \ 
cent elections held in Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, and Delaware, was a shameful violatiou of the ' 
Constitution ; and a repetition of such acts in the approaching election, will be held as revolutionary, 
and resisted with all the means and power under our control. 

Resolved, That the aim and object of the Democratic party is to preserve the Federal Union and 
the rights of the States unimpaired ; and they hereby declare that they consider that the administrative 
usurpation of extraordinary and dangerous powers not granted by the constitution ; the subversion of 
the civil by military law in States not in insurrection ; the arbitrary military arrest, imprisonment, 
trial and senUnce of American eitkens in States where ciril law exists. in full force ; the suppression 
of freedom of speech and of the press ; the denial of the right of asylum ; the open and avowed 
disregard of State rights ; the employment of unusual test oaths ; and the interference with and de- 
nial of the right of the people to bear arms in their defence, is calculated to prevent a restoration of ' 
the Union and the perpetuation of a government deriving its just powers from the consent of the 
governed. 

Resolv.d, That the shameful disregard of the administration to Its duty in respect to our fellow t 
GitizVris who now are, and long have been, prisoners of war in a suifering condition, deserves the se- 
verest reprobation oh the score alike of public policy and common humanity. 

Resolved, That the sympathy of the Democratic party is heartily and earnestly extended to the 
soldiery of our army and gaalors of our navy, who are, and have been in the field and on the sea, 
under the flag o r their country; and in the event of its attaining power, they well receive all the 
care, protection and regard that the brave soldiers and Bailors of the Republic have so nobly earned. 

[The scene that followed the introduction of these resolutions baffles all description. 
When the Secretary commenced the reading of the report every ear in the honse was 
inclined to catch th* words as they came from his lips. The deep, almost breathless 
attention of the vast audience was unbroken to the middle of the second resolution, 
when the popular approbation found vent in cheers which rendered the latter por- 
tion of the resolution unintelligible, the voice of the Secretary being totally drowned in 
the deep volume swelling up around from the lips of thousands. Order having been 
restored, the resolution was again read, and was listened to in silence until its close, 



28 Democratic National Convention. 

when the audience again surrendered itself to the wildest enthusiasm, which died 
aAvay and was renewed a half dozen times before the third resolution could be receiv- 
ed. The reading of this resolution called forth applause more tumultuous and deafe- 
ning than that of the preceding. The other resolutions were also received with ap- 
plause. When at last the resolutions were adopted — when the people realized that 
the breakers had been passed, and that a platform, broad enough and strong enough 
for all, had been adopted, with scarcely a dissenting voice, they were fairly beside 
themselves with joy. When the vast audience was hoarse and exhausted, order was 
restored, and the business of the conventicn was proceeded with.] 

Mr. G. W. IRWIN", of Pennsylvania: Mr. President, I move that the resolutions 
presented be adopted. 

The PRESIDENT : Gentlemen 'of the Convention, youhave heard the resolutions. 
The question is now on their adoption. 

Mr. LONG, of Ohio : I will offer, as an amendment to the resolution, just offered, 
the first Kentucky resolution drafted by the pen of Thomas Jefferson — a resolution, 
sir, that from the organization of the Democratic party until the present hour, has 
always been adopted in every democratic convention that has ever met to put in 
nomination a President for the United States. I offer that, sir, as an amendment to 
come in after the first resolution. And I trust, sir, that this Convention, will not 
ignore the great fundamental doctrine, the very corner stone, the foundation upon 
which the Democratic party rests. I hope, sir, that the crefcd of the; party that has 
made it what it ia, — that has made it great and glorious, as it is and always will be — 
will not be ignored by this Convention in this hour of its peril, — a time above all 
others, since its organization, when the fundamental principles upon which it is es- 
tablished should be re-affirmed and re-adopted by this Convention, now here assem- 
bled. I offer that resolution, and ask that the Secretary may read it to the Conven- 
tion, to come in after the first resolution : 

Resoh-ed, That the several States composing the United States of America are not united upon the 
principle of unlimited submission to their general government, but by the compact under the style 
and title of a Constitution for the United Statas, and of amendments thereto, they constituted a gener- 
al government for special purposes, delegated to that government certain definite powers, reserving, 
each State to itself, the residuary mass of right to their own self-government ; and, that whenever 
the general government assumes undelegated powers, its acts are unauthoritative, void, and of 
no force ; that to this compact each State acceded as a State, and ia an integral party; that this 
government, created by this compact, was not the exclusive or final judge of the powers delegat- 
ed to itself; since that would have made its discretion, and not the constitution, the measure of 
its powers ; but, as in all other acts of compact, among parties having no common judge, each par- 
ty has an equal right to judge for Itself, as well of infractions as of the mode and measure of 
redress. 

Mr. MILLER, of Pennsylvania : In view of the motion that I have made, Itmove 
that the resolution be laid upon the table. 

The PRESIDENT : Under the rules of this convention, adopted this morning, 
the resolution will go to the Committee on Resolutions. 

Mr. COX, of Ohio : I move the previous question on the adoption of the platform 
as reported by the Convention. 

Mr. LONG, of Ohio: I hope my colleague will withdraw his motion for one mo- 
ment. [Cries of " no "] I desire to offer an additional amendment. I did not 
suppose, Bir, that after the report of the committee reporting the platform in fall hap 
been received, when an amendment Mas offered to it, tha it would be referred to thj 
Committee on Resolutions. I hope my colleague will permit me to offer anothea 
amendment, even if it has to take the same course as did the last. I* will state to 
him, it is an amendment in plain and unequivocal terms for peace. I leave it with- 
out effort, without exertion; I leave it in plain, unvarnished terms, demanding 
peace; and I understand the people ask it. I am not here to be cheated and deceiv- 
ed by the phraseology of language ingenionsly employed to mean one thing and be 
interpreted one way by one person of this convention, and by another in an entirely 
different way. 

The PRESIDENT: Will the gentleman wait a moment ? The chair holds, the 
gentleman is now out of order. When the gentleman rose, I heard him for the pur- 
pose of learning what he had to say as to the ruling of the chair. As to the resolu- 
tion he offered, under the rule adopted, the resolution was properly held to belong 
to the Committee on Resolutions. The proposition is one distinctly differing from 



Democratic National Convention. 29 

the resolutions offered by the committee j so the chair has decided that it has to 
be referred. The gentlemen is going beyond the latitude the chair can give him un- 
der the resolution the Convention has adopted for its own government. [Applause.] 
The question is upon the adoption of the resolutions reported by the committee. 
Those who are in favor of their adoption will say " aye." [The affirmative vote 
iras given by the delegates in one unanimous shout..] Those opposed will say 
" nay." [One or two voices arose with negative votes from the body of v the hall.] 
% So the resolutions were adopted, when applause rose, cheer upon cheer, oft re- 
peated from the floor and galleries alike. 

THE NOMINATIONS. 

Mr. R. BRUCE PETRIKEN, of Pennsylvania : I now move you, Mr. President, 
that we now proceed to nominate a candidate for President of the United States. 

Mr. SAMUEL G. KING, of Pennsylvania : I second that. 

The motion being submitted to the convention prevailed. 

Mr. JOHN" P. STOCKTON, of New Jersey : At this time of peril in our country's 
history, with a full knowledge of the responsibility to my State, of my duty to my 
countrv, and of my duty to my God, in the name of the people of New Jersey, and by 
the unanimous vote of our delegation, I nominate to this convention Geo. B. McClel- 
lan. [Immense and enthusiastic applause, long continued.] New Jersey nominates 
Geo. B. Mcl^ellau, and thinks that a State which gave such a vote in the last Presi- 
dential election should be the first to nominate his successor. 

Mr. COX, of Ohio: The pleasing duty has devolved upon me, with such a voice 
as I have, to second the nomination made by the gentleman from New Jersey. I 
am a delegate from the State of Ohio, sir, and I beg simply to say that, although 
George B. McClellan has not his present legal residence in Ohio, in one sense he has 
been with us and among us, and, as one delegate, at least, from that Stote, claiming an 
interest in him, I propose to second the nomination. [Applause.] Mr. President, It 
is said that seven cities claimed the dead Homer. Connecticut, claims the ancestry 
of McClellan ; Pennsylvania is his birth place ; New York has associations with him 
by many endearing relations ; Illinois has loved him, for he has lived among the peo* 
pie of Illinois ; and Ohio, I trust, will give him its support, if he be nominated ; 
and the United States of America will claim him as a resident for four yeais as a 
resident in the District of Columbia, as President of the United States. [Prolonged 
cheering.] 

Mr. WILLIAM SAULSBURY, of Delaware: I rise, having it for my object to 
nominate for the Presidency of the United States, Lazurus W. Powell, of Kentucky, 
In nominating him, I will state, that he stood up in the Senate of the United States, 
almost the single champion of American liberty. He is from a border State upon . 
which the tyrant's hand has fallen with heavy weight, and to him the State of Dela- r 
ware turns, to put in nomination her son, and her favorite son, too. / 

Mr. POWELL, of Kentucky: For the' nonor the delegates of the State of Dela- 
ware have conferred upon me,, in presentiug my name to this convention as a candi- 
date for the Presidential chair, I return my heartiest thanks. I firmly believe, Mr. 
President, that sound policy indicates that the candidate for the Presidency at this 
awful crisis in our country's history should come from one of the non-slaveholding 
States. I regard it as a patriotic duty to request of my honorable friend to withdraw 
my name. [Applause.] Delaware, I believe, was the first to ratify the constitution ; 
and I am convinced of what I know of the true-hearted loyalty of her people, she will 
be the last to sin, and she would not raise., convention here. I say to my friends, 
withdraw my name, and I have no doubt that Kentucky, as also Delaware, will give 
a large majority for the nominee of this convention. Take away the bayonet from 
the throats of our people, and Kentucky's voice vrill go up like thunder from heaven 
for the nominee of this convention, the restoration of the Union, and the liberty of 
the people. 

Mr. STUART, of Ohio: In behalf of a respectable number of the Ohio delega- 
tion, I have the honor to place in nomination the name of Hon. Thomas H. Sey- 
mour, of Connecticut. [Loud and enthusiastic cheering.] 

Mr. MILLER, of Pennsylvania: Mr. President, I move that the nominations be 
now closed. [Cries of "No, no."] 

Mr. WICKLIFFE, of Kentucky: I am directed by a portion of the delegates of; 



30 Democratic National Convention. 

the State of Kentucky to place before this convention the name of Franklin Pierce, 
of New Hampshire. [Great applause.] 

Mr. BENJAMIN G. HARRIS, of Maryland: I rise to second the nomination 
of Thomas H. Seymour, of Connecticut ; and, in doing so, I beg to say one word to 
the Convention in favor of him. Thomas H. Seymour is second to no man in the 
country. His record is before the country and no man dare to say that there is a 
stain upon it. We have come here from the down-trodden State of Maryland and 
we do not desire to see placed in nomination the man most active in oppressing her. 
We have been oppressed, as you know. All our rights have been trampled upon 
and the strong arm of the military has been over us, and as it rests upon us now, 
it was instituted by your nominee. [Confusion of applause and hisses, mainly 
from the galleries.] Admit the fact that all our liberties and rights have been de- 
stroyed, and I ask you, in the name of common sense, in the name of justice, in the 
name of honor, will you reward the man who . struck the first blow? [Applause 
and hisses.] From the indications I see here to-day, I have reason to fear that the 
man who has been in the front of this usurpation will be the successful candidate. 
Mr. LAMBERTON, of Pennsylvania: I rise to a point of order. There is no 
question before the Convention. 

Mr. OLDS, of Ohio: I rise to a point of order. [Confusion.] 
The PRESIDENT : Will the gentleman state his point of order? 
Mr. OLDS, of Ohio: My point of order is this: [Hisses and a voice, u Give 
us free speech."] It is not against the speech I raise the question. My point of 
order is this: We have met here as a deliberative convention, to nominate a candi- 
date for the Presidency and a candidate for the Vice Presidency, and, while from 
these galleries are uttered such marks of applause and disapprobation, we cannot 
proceed with the business of the Convention. 

The PRESIDENT : I implore the Convention, and above aH I implore the many 
thousands of freemen here assembled, in God's name, not to violate the freedom of 
speech on this occasion. [Loud cheers.] He who will is not a true friend of 
the democratic party. [Cheers.] In answer to the gentleman from Pennsylvania, 
I would say that the order now is the presentation of candidates for the Presidency. 
[Cheers.] The gentleman from Maryland is in order. [Applause.] 

Mr. HARRIS: I am in the habit of contending for the liberty of speech; I have 
been censured on the flour of our State Senate for the exercise of that right; and my 
rig&k on this occasion is to speak concerning the character of the men whom you have 
presented. I claim it as a right to state that one of the men whom you have nomi- 
nated is a tyrant [Hisses and cheers.] Gen. McClellan was the very first man 
who inaugurated the system of usurping State rights. [Uproar.] This I can 
prove, and I pledge myself, if you will hear me, to prove every charge in the in- 
dictment. And it is the duty of a jury when a charge is made which is proven, to 
convict and not reward the offender. Maryland has been cruelly trampled upon by 
this man, and I cannot consent, as a delegate from that State, to allow his nomina- 
tion to go unopposed. What you ask me to do is, in reality, to support the man 
who stabbed my own mother; and I for one — and I believe I speak for the whole 
delegation from Maryland — will never do it We will never, never consent that 
the State of Maryland shall be so dishonored. What, is it a fact that you care noth- 
ing for the dishonor of a sovereign State ?i Is it really the case that you can consent 
that the man who overthrew liberty and crushed under foot the free institutions of 
a State shall receive reward instead of punishment for his tyranny ? In old times 
it was the doctrine that an injury done to one State was an injury inflicted on all; 
and, instead of rewarding the perpetrator of the injury, each State should come for- 
ward to resent it Now you propose a reward in the shape of Presidential honors 
to the man who first set the iron heel of despotism upon my State. In the first 

place he arrested 

Mr. PETRIKEN, of Pennsylvania: I rise, sir, to a question of order. I ask, 
is it in order, is it competent in a delegate, while rising, possibly to propose a candi- 
date for the Presidency, to discuss the merits of another candidate? [Cheers.] 

T^e PRESIDENT: Gentlemen of the Convention, the gentleman'from Pennsyl- 
vania has risen to a point of order. It is this — whether a gentleman has a right, 
in presenting the name of a candidate, to discuss the merits of others who have 
been already placedin nomination. The chair is of opinion that, inasmuch as it is 
the right of every delegate, in presentiug the name of a candidate, to urge consid- 
erations in his favor, it is equally the right of others to discuss the merits of that 



Democratic National Convention. 31 

candidate. [Cheers.] But, while the chair feels itself impelled to make that de- 
cision, it once more appeals to every delegate to see that the mode of presenting ob- 
jections is not such as shall tend to destroy the harmonyf of this ^convention. 
[Loud cheering.] 

Mr. HARRIS : [Reading from a newspaper. ] The date of this is September 
12th, 1861; and it is as follows: 
Maj. Gen. N. P. Banks, U. S. A. : 

Gbnbral ; After a full consultation with the President, Secretaries of State, War, Ac, it has 
been decided to effect the operation proposed for the 17th. Arrangements have been made to have 
agovernment steamer at Annapolis to receive the prisoners and carry them to their destination. 

Some four or five of the chief men in the affair are to be arrested to-day. When they meet on 
the 17th you will have everything prepared to arrest the whole party; and be sure that none escape. 

It is understood that you will arrange with Gen. Dix and Gov. Seward the nwdus operandi. It 
has been intimated to me that the meeting might take place on the 14th; please be prepared. I 
would be glad to have you advise me frequently of your arrangements in regard to this very inip- 
portant matter. 

If it is successfully oarried out, it will go far towards breaking the back-bone of the rebellion. 
It will probably be well to have a special train quietly prepared to take the prisoners to Annapolis. 

I leave this exceedingly important affair to your tact and discretion — the absolute necessity of 
secrecy and success. 
L With the highest regard, I am, my dear General, your sincere friend, 

(Signed) Gkorgh B, McClelt.ah, 

. Major General V. S. A. 

[The delegate read this letter amidst considerable uproar and confusion.] 

Mr. HARRIS: Now, sir, that was in 1861 — 

A DELEGATE : I move that after all this is read, it be published in the black 
republican papers. [Laughter.] 

Mr. HARRIS : I am here for the purpose of presenting to this convention the 
character of the man whom you have nominated, and it seems yqu do not wisb to 
bear it. [A voice, u We know it"] Yes, you know it, and yet refuse to allow it 
to be made known. [Three cheers were here called for McClellan and were given 
with a will.] Well, sir, this is the document on which George B. McClellan, in 
September, 1861, broke up the Legislature of a sovereign State, deliberately and 
with full purpose, in order to exercise tyranny and oppression injjadvance of Abra- 
ham Lincoln. Now here is a man who has violated the laws of our Stale — here is 
a man who has dealt a fatal blow to the institutions of our country; and yet you 
ask delegates from Maryland — you ask those who sympathise with Maryland as 
none else can sympathise — you ask men who are still smarting under the wrongs by 
McClellan inflicted, to go to the polls and cast their free votes for such an one as 
be! Why, Mr. President, how long do you suppose it was since the representatives 
of Maryland were immured within the walls of Fort Warren ? Sixteen months did 
Wallace, and Scott, and their comrades and colleagues, suffer Imprisonment within 
the walls of that prison, deprived of the sympathy of their friends and the comforts 
of home. Sixteen long months the prison doors were closed upon them, and the 
man by whom"! they were closed was George B. McClellan, whom you indicate as 
your favorite to-day. [Cheers and disapprobation.] Well, sir, I look upon the 
acts of Gen. McClellan as not striking at the free ballot of the State of Maryland, 
but as tyranny over the Legislature of the State. And all the charges you can 
make against Abraham Lincoln aud against Benjamin Butler, I ean make and sus- 
tain against this man, George B. McClellan. [Hisses, cheers, and great confusion.] 
I now proceed to another count in the indictment On -Oct 29th, 1861, he thus 
wrote: 

Ghnbral : There s apprehension amongst Union citieens in many parts of Maryland of at 
tempted interference in the election to take place on the 6th of Novembor next. In order to prevent 
this, the Major General oommandlng — [and who, gentlemen, was the Major General commanding 
but George B. McClellan f] — t directs yon to send a sufficient detachment to protect Union voters 
and to see that nothing la allowed to interfere with their rights as voters. 

[Here the speaker was interrupted with ories of " That's right," 4< Good ! good l" 
while veciferous cheers wore given for Gen. McClellan.] 

The PRESIDENT : I trust this convention will give the gentleman from Mary- 
land a fair hearing. You are not only doing an injustice to that gentleman by in- 
terrupting, but to Gen. McClellan also. [Cheera.] There is no attack made here 
which cannot be made elsewhere ; and the devoted friends who are supporting him 
here desire that all the charges which can be urged against him may be preferred at 
once, as they feel that they are each and all susceptible of a satisfactory explana- 
tion. [Loud cheering.] I repeat that these interruptions, on the part of the audi- 
enee, are not only unjust to the cau?e, unjuit to the gentleman from Maryland, but 



32 Democratic National Convention. 

unjust to the distinguished man who has been placed in nomination. [Cheers.] 
When the gentleman has conclnded his remarks — and I trust he will be allowed to 
do eo without further interruption — a full opportunity will be given to one in the 
Convention who stands ready to make the fullest explanation of the'oourse of Gen. 
McClellan. [Prolonged cheers and cries of f{ Good."] 

Mr. HARRIS, of Maryland: I want nothing, sir, but a fair field, I assure you. 
[Cries of "Hurry up, for God's sake," and much confusion, amidst which one of the 
Ohio delegation here walked across the amphitheatre, and requested Mr. Harris to 
go to the platform, which, after some reluctance, he consented to do.] 

The PRESIDENT rose amidst the prevailing confusion and said : I hope the 
Convention will allow the gentleman from Maryland to present his remarks in his 
own way. When he has said what he desires to say, there will be ample opportu- 
nity to reply. 

A DELEGATE : I wish to move that the speakers be restricted to one hour. 

The PRESIDENT : And the delegate from Maryland has not yet occupied his 
hour. [Laughter.] 

Mr. HARRIS: I would have concluded long ago, Mr. President, except for the 
interruptions that have been made by this assembly itself; and, certainly, you can- 
not take advantage of your own wrong, and prevent me from proceeding. [The 
speaker then read the remainder of the letter, which authorized Gen. Banks, in or- 
der to prevent these alleged treasonable designs, to "suspend the writ of habeas 
co?yus. v ] Now, sir, who feared the disunionists of Maryland would ever interfere 
with the unionists? With the power in the hands of the. administration, with the 
power in the hands of the Governor of Maryland, where, in the name of God, was it 
to be supposed, -except in the mind of some hypocrite, that it was necessary for a 
military force to come into the State and suspend that great writ, the habeas corpus. 
[Cheers.] And why were these " disunionists" of Maryland allowed to goat large 
until the day of election? Said he, you must arrest them before going to the polls 
and you may discharge them after the election. [Cheers.] Why was this done ? 
Why, if there was danger to the country in allowing these men to remain at large, 
were they not ai*rested before the day of election in the State, by order of this Gen. 
McClellan ? Those things that we have charged so frequently against Abraham 
Lincoln, he, George B. McClellan, has been guilty of himself. [Cheers and hisses.] 
Sir, he declares that, under the plea of military necessity — that tyrant's plea of mil- 
itary necessity — Abraham Lincoln has the power of abolishing one of the institu- 
tions of Maryland, Missouri, and Kentucky; the power of abolishing the institution 
of slavery — a great right that you consider yourselves bound to protect and to pro- 
tect Maryland, Missouri, and Kentucky, v in protecting. Now, what have you to say 
to this charge against George B. McClellan. [Cheers and hisses.] You have to 
meet them one way or another, for they will be made by an opponent, and it is bet. 
ter to hear them from a democrat before the canvass commences. [Cheers.] What, 
then, have you to say in his favor ? Why, as a military man, he has been defeated 
everywhere. [Cries of " No, no," and cheers.] The siege of Richmond was not, 
I think, a success; the battle of Antietam was not a success, and u in him as a mili- 
tary leader you have nothing whatever to brag of, while you have combined with 
military incapacity the fact that he has interfered with and destroyed the civil rights 
of the people. If Gen. McClellan, when Abraham Lincoln told him to arrest the 
Legislature of Maryland, had said to him, " I have received a commission as com- 
mander at your hands — you can take it back before I become a tyrant," he would 
have stood before the world as a man; but inasmuch as he received and acted upon 
instructions which struck a blow at civil liberty, he became the mere tool of Abra- 
ham Lincoln. [Cheers and hisses.] I recollect the story of a military man in the 
time of Louis XIII. The King, Louis, bore much hatred to the great Conde and, 
resolving to get rid of him, sent a commission to a Marshal of his army to procure 
him some one who would despatch him. The Marshal replied, " Sire, we have many 
brave and gallant soldiers in our army, but we have not one assassin." But Abra- 
ham Lincoln was able to find an assassin of State rights in George B. McClellan. 
[Cheers for McClellan and hisses.] 

" You ask me to go home to Maryland — bound and persecuted Maryland, which has 
suffered every injury since the tyrant put his iron heel upon it — you ask me to return 
there, and, going forward to the polls, vote for George B. McClellan, the very man 
who destroyed her liberties. [Cheers.] You ask me to go home and see my friends 



Democratic National Convention. S3 

in the Maryland Legislature — men who were put in prison, whose property was de- 
stroyed, anil whose families were left beggars upon the world, and by the orders of 
this man; and yet, remembering their imprisonment and suffering, I am asked to walk 
up to the polls and vote for him. [Cheers.] I cannot do it. I never will do it. 
[Loud cheers, hisses, and much excitement, a number of the delegates rising to 
their feet and making gestures denoting much feeling.] 

Mr. CARRIGAN, of Pennsylvania : Mr. President, I rise to a point, of order. 
The gentleman from Maryland, in .presence of this convention, has declared that he 
will not vote for the gentleman who may be nominated by this convention. Having 
made such a statement, I submit, Mr. President, that he is not a fit member of this 
convention [Cheers, mingled with cries, "Yes, yes." "No. uo."] I repeat, that 
the man who publicly declares within the walls of the Convention of the democratic 
party of the United States, that he will not vote for its nominee is not fit to be a 
member of the Convention. [Loud cheers and much confusion.] 

The PRESIDENT : The gentleman from Pennsylvania rises to a point of order — 
whether a member of the Convention, having declared that he will not vote for the 
nominee of the Convention, should be allowed to retain his seat in the Convention. 
[Cries of "No, no." "Yes, yes."] 

Mr. HARRIS : I am free to say that I will not do it. 

The PRESIDENT : The decision of the chair upon the point of order raised bj 
the gentleman from Pennsylvania is, that those who will not submit to the decision 
of the Convention have no right to take part in its proceedings. [Great cheering.] 

[Mr. Harris then left the platform and resumed his seat in the body of the hall. 
There immediately followed a scene of considerable excitement. The members of 
the Convention nearly all sprang to their feet, some of them looking menacingly at 
the member from Maryland, around whom there was some slight commotion. The 
excitement, however, abated almost as quickly as it was aroused, upon the Presi- 
dent calling the Convention to order.] 

Mr. CARRIGAN : The personal relations existing between the gentleman from 
Maryland and myself have, ever since I have known him, been of the most friendly 
character ; but in view, sir, of the morality of this convention — its political moral- 
ity, of which you spoke — I felt myself compelled at the moment he made the dec- 
laration he did, to rise to the point of order. Now, sir, I respect the gentleman, and, 
as I said before, our relations have always been friendly ; and I now move that the 
gentleman have the privilege of proceeding with his remarks in order. [Loud ap- 
plause.] 

The PRESIDENT put the motion, which was carried by a nearly unanimous rote 
amid loud cheering. < 

Mr. UNDERWOOD, of Kentucky : Mr. President, I regret exceedingly that the 
condition of my voice is such that I am hardly able to be heard by this vast assem- 
blage ; but I rise with a view to attempt to pour a little oil upon the troubled waters. 
I trust, sir, that we shall have harmony — harmony in our councils, harmony in our 
actions, harmony in everything we do; and I trust the results of our assemblage 
here will be carried out by the united voice of the people when we return home. 
^Cheers.] Allow me to say, sir, that I came here having before I left home some- 
what considered the objections which could be made to the prominent individual 
whose name is now before the Convention and the country, and who is likely to be 
the candidate of this convention for the Presidency. I suppose other gentlemen 
came in the same way ; and, if we are to take up all the objections which can be 
urged to every individual who has been named here, I ask this body when are we 
to adjourn ? [Cheers.] It is perfectly impracticable to follow this course. I pre- 
sume, from the fact of the American people sending their representatives here, giv- 
ing instructions in some instances, and from the conferences which have taken place 
among the delegations since their assemblage in this place, that these objections 
have been generally considered, and that we have come here to vote rather than to 
discuss. [Cheers.] Now, sir, allow me to refer you to two historical facts which, I 
think, are a complete answer to allthat'has been urgc-d by the gentleman from Ma- 
ryland. In the war of 1812 Gen. Jessup was sent to watch the Hartford Convention, 
and was instructed by Mr. Madison, if there was any disposition shown to commit 
an overt act of treason, to seize all the members of that body. [Laughter and 
•beers.] Gen. Jackson, again, acting upon his own responsibility, and without in- 



84 Democratic National Convention. 

structions from the President of the United States, interfered with the Legislature 
of Louisiana ; and I would to God — if the Convention will pardon me — that we had 
a man here with that iron nerve, that inflexible will, that perception of men's char- 
acter, that determination and patriotism which Old Hickory so eminently possessed. 
[Cheers.] 

A DELEGATE : Why did you not vote for him ? 

Mr. UNDERWOOD : I had a preference for Henry Clay— [laughter]— and if the 
gentleman, whoever he is, who asked that question wished to discuss the matter, I 
could readily convince him that he would have agreed with me. [Renewed laugh- 
ter.] Sir, I did not come here to advocate Whig principles; but I came here be- 
cause the country which I love with all my heart, with all my soul, is in imminent 
danger of destruction. [Cheers.] I came here to unite with everybody who is will- 
ing to unite with me, in order to remove from office that misguided and tyrannical 
.man who has brought the nation into its perilous position. [Loud cheers.} 

A DELEGATE : And do you wish to set up a greater tyrant ? 

Mr. UNDERWOOD: No, I do not; and I hope the gentleman will allow me to 
state that, after taking all these things into consideration, both at home and since 
I came here, that part of the Kentucky delegation with which I came here has di- 
rected me to cast five and one-half votes — all you have allowed us — for General 
George B. McClellan. [Enthusiastic cheering.] 

Mr. MORGAN, of Ohio, said : 

Mr. President -and Gentlemen op the Convention: As a personal friend 
and former comrade in arms of George B. McClellan, I cannot remain quiet 
upon this occasion without replying to the charges of the distinguished 
gentleman from Maryland. Deeply do I regret, Mr. President, that the first assault 
upon the democratic organization in this campaign should come from a man who 
claims to be a democrat ; and much more do I regret and am I' astonished at the 
manner in which the charge was made and the character of the charge itself. I do 
not impute to the gentleman a desire to wilfully and deliberately misrepresent the 
facts; but, nevertheless, the statements as made, are untrue, as I hope I maybe 
able to convince you. What are the facts? Who did George B. McClellan arrest? 
I find that the paper from which the gentleman reads is the New York Tribune, and 
in replying to him I will also reply to his worthy co-associate, Mr. Greeley of the 
Tribune. 

At the time these arrests were ordered, the Maryland Legislature was in session 
at Annapolis. General Joseph Johnston was in command of the rebel army at Win- 
chester. There was a conspiracy on foot, and four or five persons here were the 
conspirators, between General Johnston and this Legislature, to accomplish the inva- 
sion of Maryland. This Legislature was in communication with General John- 
ston, one of the best and most distinguished Generals of the Confederate Army. 
This Legislature was to have passed an ordinance of secession — the gentleman knows 
the meaning of that term ; they were to have withdrawn to the town of Frederick 
and there issued the ordinance of secession, and, in direct and immediate concert 
with this ordinance, Johnston was to invade Maryland with an overwhelming force; 
and certain men in Maryland — the gentleman can state best who — were to have 
aroused the people of Maryland in arms against the sovereignty of the United 
States. George B. McCkllan, then Commander-in-Chief of our armies, had he act- 
ed otherwise than he did, would have been guilty of treason himself. I know well 
that the worthy gentleman from Maryland does not know George B. McCleJlf.n. He 
calls him a tyrant. Why, sirs, if there be one man beneath the heavens who is not 
a tyrant, that man is George B. McClellan. [Cheers.] If there is one man who is 
a lover of liberty/one man who has combined in himself the gentleness of a woman 
and the courage of a lion, that man is G<-orge B. McCle ! lan. [Applause.] Theee 
facts I knew myself. They were represented to me at the time they occurred. I 
have them in black and white iroin George B. McClellan himself. Moreover, but 
two nights ago, Gen. Bums, of the United States Army, was in this city. He took 
tea with me, and, during the evening, this Maryland matter was tilkcd about, and he 
told me the fact that he had at that time command of the American forces at Lees- 
burg for the purpose of wa'chiug the movements of Joe Johnston in connection 
with his associates of Maryland. He told me that he had been informed by General 
McClellan, at that time, of all the facts, and was instructed to keep watch and ward 



Democratic National Convention. 36 

both over the traitors within Maryland and the traitors beyond the river. [Applause.] 
Now, sirs, this is a brief statement of the facts. I did not intend nor expect to 
open my lips upon this occasion, but before taking my seat I must speak of 
another point. The gentleman lias found a mare's nest. The gentleman talks of 
troops being sent by George B. McClellan to suppress tbe liberty of the ballot. 
"Why, the very order itselt states in distinct words that the object of the troops 
sent there was to protect the Union citizens who, it was feared, would be deprived 
of their right to a free vote by intimidation at the ballot box. These are the unmis- 
takable historical facts connected with these transactions and with these people. 
They were men who had been over in Virginia, and, when our country became un- 
fortunately involved in this civil war, they were in direct communication with the 
southern Generals. In accordance with the laws of war these people, who were 
guilty of direct communication with the enemy, and who invited the invasion of 
Maryland, by the laws of war, instead of being Arrested would have been executed 
as spies ; for such they were. They were communicating information to the enemy. 
They were guilty of high treason in furnishing the enemy with information, and 
against these men and the intended intimidation at the pells this order was given. 
My friends, I only rose to make this statement, and to disabuse your minds of the 
do doubt unintentional misstatements set forth by the distinguished gentleman who 
gave utterance to them as they were published by Horace Greeley. But I will say 
this, that I not only know General McClellan now, but have known him from boy- 
hood. I knew him when a boy of sixteen, and a truer democrat never lived. 
[Cheers.] Kis whole heart was inspired with love for the democratic party, and a 
veneration amounting almost to worship for those great cardinal democratic princi- 
ples taught by Jefferson and Madison, and aa re-taught by the immortal Jackson. 
But I tell you, knowing this man as I do, I say w r ith a certainty that in passing over 
at this time, in thisgreat emergency of our conntry, great and distinguished states- 
men, men of high ability, deserving the confidence of the people, and singling out 
that man, gives the best evidence, not only of his purity and patriotism, not only 
of his qualities as a warrior, but of his wise sagacity as a patriot statesman. [Loud 
cheering.] 

Mr. EATON, of Connecticut: Mr. President, as a neighbor and friend of Col. 
Thomas H. Seymour it becomes my duty as a delegate on this floor, to state that it 
was not the intention of the delegation from Connecticut to place him in nomination 
before this convention. A more gallant soldier, a more accomplished gentleman, a 
mere reliable statesman than Thomas H. Seymour, treads not God's earth. No man 
knows him who loves liim not. It is not our intention to place him in nomination. 
It was not our intention, and my friend from Maryland who seconded the nomina- 
tion, and inj> friend from Ohio who placed that name before this convention, did so 
without our knowledge and without our consent. We had no consent to give, sir, 
and it was without the knowledge or consent of Governor Seymour himself. Thomas 
H. Seymour, Mr. President, is worthy of any office in the gift of a free people. Thomas 
H. Seymour has no superior throughout this broad land. [Applause.] I do not hesi- 
tate to say to this convention what I would say to General McClellan himself, that 
Thomas H. Seymour, of all men of God's moulding, is my candidate. But if tha 
gentleman from Ohio, and the gentleman from Maryland, and gentlemen from other 
States see fit to put Col. Seymour in nomination, I, of course, have not the power to 
withdraw his name. I hope every man will vote for him. Many a long summer day 
will you travel before you can do better. One word more, and I have done. I make 
these remarks simply to show that Col. Seymour knew nothing of this nomination, 
and cannot be mixed up in any way with any charge that may be brought against 
General McClellan. It is proper for me to say that George B. McClellan and Thomas 
H. Seymour have long been strong personal friends. [Applause.] Therefore tha 
Convention will understand, and the country will understand, that Thomas II. Sey- 
mour's name has been used without his knowledge; that it has been used not by tho 
request of the delegation from Connecticut — for I said to my distinguished friend 
from Maryland only yesterday that we did not desire to place Col. S<-ymour in nom- 
ination — th.it Connecticut does not nominate him. If the States ?ee fit to place him 
in nomination and vote him in as their candidate, Connecticut, of course, will bo 
found aiding by her vote ; otherwise, Connecticut will not cast her vote for Col. 
Seymour. 



36 Democratic National Convention. 

Mr. HARRIS, of Maryland ; In speaking of General McClellan, I commented 
freely on his character, and I said that I could not ask the people of Maryland with 
any kind of force — I could not make any argument — to induce them to vot« for him; 
nor could I ask the members of that Legislature whom I thought he had treated 
cruelly and tyrannically, to go to the polls snd vote for him. I did not say that, 
having participated in the nominations and proceedings of this convention, I would 
not myself abide by the nomination, whatever nomination might be made. [Loud 
applause.] Those who know me might have inferred as much, from the fact that 
I had seconded the nomination of Thomas H. Seymour as a candidate in preference 
to General McClellan. I therefore say that if I ballot in this convention upon the 
nomination of President and Vice President, I shall feel myself bound to cast my 
vote for the candidate that this convention selects. {Loud cheering.] 

Mr. SAULSBUttY, of Delaware : I beg leave to withdraw the name of Governor 
Powell, of Kentucky, presented as a candidate for nomination. 

Mr. SPOFFORD, of Massachusetts : I have received both written and verbal 
instructions from Franklin Pierce, in case of the mention of his name by any of 
his friends, from any part of the country, to solicit that no use shall be made thereof, 
in connection with the nomination for the Presidency. Whilst General Pierce, in 
his retirement, shrinks from no duty and no responsibility which can attach to his 
position and character as Ex-President of the United States, he feels, sir, that he 
has received his full share of the honors of the party, and that he has discharged 
his full share of the duty which it devolved upon him. Believing that our success 
can re3t only upon those great principles which he sought in his administration to 
exemplify and to support, his only hope has been — and that I am thankful to know 
has been gratified— that the old standard of principles shall not be abandoned, 
and that we shall leave Chicago a united, harmonious and to-be-successful party. 
[Cheers.] 

Mr. WICKLIFFE, of Kentucky : Mr. Chairman, it is true, as the gentleman from 
Massachusetts states, that the delegation from Kentucky of which-I compose a part, 
had no consultation with the delegation from the State of New Hampshire, nor did 
they consult the distinguished gentleman whose name I presented ; but, upon con- 
sultation among ourselves, looking at the crisis, and believing that a man of experi- 
ence in matters of statesmanship and great purity of character, who was unstained as 
a politician and as a man, who was not connected with any of the imputations or 
charges, false or true, connected vifch the military or despotic operations of the 
army or the officers of the army, would better answer the purpose and carry out the 
views of our citizens— preferring at all times a civilian to a military man — we deci- 
ded to present the name of Ex-President Pierce, so distinguished and so well known 
throughout the United States. But, sir, in obedience to the suggestion of the gen- 
tleman from Massachusetts, though unwillingly, I now withdraw the nomination of 
Franklin Pierce. [Cheers.] 

Mr. HOLSMAN, of New Jersey: I move that the nominations be now closed, and 
that we proceed to the call by States. 

Mr. JONES, of Maryland : I regret exceedingly that the honorable gentleman 
who took the stand to defend Gen. McClellan from the charges preferred by the 
gentleman from Maryland, put that defence upon the ground that he did. If he had 
put it upon the ground that Gen. McClellan had credible information upon which he 
relied, then I would have rested that defence on the ground on which it was put. 
But when he undertakes to put that defence upon charges of complicity of any 
members of the Maryland Legislature with the conveyance of information to Gen. 
Johnston, or inviting or desiring the invasion of Maryland by any member of that 
Legislature, I beg that this convention will hear me while. I show how untrue is 
any such imputation ; although I do not doubt that Gen. McClellan was misled by 
false witnesses on whom he relied. 

f Mr. MORGAN, of Ohio : Will' the gentleman from Maryland grant me one word ? 
I would deeply regret, not only to do injustice to Maryland, but to any of her gal- 
lant sons. The information which I received, and which in the hurry of the moment 
I did not state as fully as I should, was that the arrest was made upon testimony 
regarded as credible, and I acted upon the assumption that, hearing nothing to the 
©ontrary, that testimony received as credible was so. 

Mr. JONES, of Maryland: S@ far from this eh&rge being credible, it has been, 



Democratic National Convention. 37 

from the time it was first started in Maryland down to the present moment, denounced 
as a wilful and deliberate lie, unsustained by a particle of testimony. The gentleman 
was wrong in more of his statements. The Legislature of Maryland did not convene 
at Annapolis; Annapolis was held by Federal troops, and Gov. Hicks convened the 
Legislature to meet at Frederick. There was then no design by meeting at Frederick 
to meet Johnston or hold any communication with him. They had met at Frederick 
?nd there was a petition sent to that Legislature or some proposition made asking it 
to pass an ordinance of secession. It was referred to a committee. That Legislature 
was overwhelmingly democratic. The chairman of that committee was Mr. Wallis, 
one of the most talarited and distinguished sons of Maryland, and a niatn of as pure 
honor and integrity as any man alive. That committee made a report which was 
adopted almost unanimously, there being but two or three negative votes, that the 
Legislature of Maryland then assembled had no power to pass an ordinance of se- 
cession. Then that these men, men of honor, men whose character was dearer to 
them than their lives, that these men with such a record, that they had no power to 
pass such an ordinance of secession, should have acted as they were accused of act- 
ing, is an absurdity as well as a falsehood. There was not one particle of evidence 
except that of the false witnesses who gave the information to Gen. McClellan, and 
whose names have never been disclosed. And I will say further, that upon this evi- 
dence, Which the gentleman says Gen. McClellan considered credible, these mem- 
bers of the Legislature were arrested and put in prison, sent from one prison to an- 
other ; from Fort McHenry to Fort Lafayette and Fort Warren, and kept there for 
fourteen months by this government. If there had been this credible evidence of 
their complicity with a design to pass an ordinance of secession or to invite the Con- 
federate forces into Maryland, why were they not tried even by a drum-head court 
martial ? They were tendered their liberty if they would sign a parole. Some few 
of them, overcome by long confinement, their health failing, and their families suf- 
fering, did agree to that humiliation ; but there were others — and among them the 
very men who signed the report that they had no power to pass an ordinance- of se- 
cession — who refused to sign any parole, and demanded a trial upon any charges 
the government had against them, that, having taken and kept them prisoners, with- 
out a trial or formal accusation, and the government not being able to find one wit- 
ness of /anything imputed to them, they had a right as American citizens under the 
constitution to be absolutely and unconditionally discharged. They put themselves 
on that ground, and notified the government that they would die in prison before 
they would give any parole. ,, I know these men personally, and there never were 
men more pure or untarnished, or who loved their whole country, or desired more 
sincerely to see its union restored, than these very men. 

What interest had they, to make their State the Belgium of the Union ? 
No longer than two months ago, in the constitutional convention now sitting at An- 
napolis, this question was raised and the insinuation made that there was a purpose 
on the part* of that Legislature to take some action looking towards secession and 
unfriendly to the Union. A member of that Legislature was a member of the con- 
vention, and he got up in his place, and, in the face of the people of Maryland, pro- 
nounced the statement absolutely and unqualifiedly false. Now let Gen. McClellan's 
defence be that he was misled by evidence that he deemed credible, and let him 
have the benefit or it, for " to err is human, to forgive divine." I could not, Mr. 
President, as a Marvlander, knowing these men as I do to be true men, true to our 
democratic principles, after lying weary months in the casemates of forts, where 
they had been so unjustly and cruelly incarcerated, hear them accused as they have 
been here, without giving the charge the completest contradiction the English lan- 
guage will admit. I insist that the charge was false ; but I do not believe General 
McClellan would have acted on any testimony which he did not deem entirely cred- 
ible. [Applause, and cries of " Question."] 

Mr. IIOLSMAX, of New Jersey : I wish to say that I was the obstinate Jersey- 
man among. my delegation who opposed the nomination of Gen. McClellan. At the 
same time, believing that this question has been already fully ventilated, and that fur- 
ther discussion cannot do any good, I renew my motion to close the nominations and call 
the States. [Cries of "Question."] 

Mr. LONG, of Ohio: I appeal to my friend from New Jersey to permit me for a 
few moments to address the convention. [A| [voice, "Free speech."] I ask a the 



I 

38 Democratic National Convention. 

courtesy of the gentleman for a brief permit to say a few words in relation to tlio 
candidates. [Cries of " No, no,'' "Free speech," etc.] 

Mr. HOLSM.AN", of New Jersey: I came here opposed to the nomination of Gen. 
McCiellan because I did not consider it one which ought to be made ; but in defer- 
ence to the wishes of my thirteen associates, I yielded. This question has been 
thoroughly discussed on both sides, and further discussion will not change a single 
vote ; so I must insist en my motion. 

Mr. LONG, of Ohio: I have before been prevented from expressing myself upon 
the resolutions. I now appeal to my friend from New Jersey not to strike down the 
freedom of speech in a democratic convention. 

Mr. HOLSMAN, of New Jersey: I, myself, to seme little extent, though not as 
much as many gentlemen here, have suffered for free speech. It is two years ago 
that I was the first to propose in any assemblage an armistice and a convention. 

Mr. LONG . of Ohio : I believe, having the floor, I have a right to proceed. 

Mr. HOLSMAN, of New Jersey, called for the previous question. 

Mr. O'BRIEN; of Illinois : I desire to make a nomination, and for that'purpose I 
ask as a favor that the gentleman from New Jersey will withdraw his motion. ^-- /^ 

Mr. HOLSMAN, of New Jersey declined to do so. 

Mr. O'BRIEN, of Illinois : I move that the Convention do now adjourn. [Cries of 
" No, no."] I do not desire tp interrupt the proceedings of this convention or to make 
any argument. I desire simply to place in nomination a gentleman whose name 
would be a rock and a tower of strength to the democratic party. And, in behalf 
of a portion of the delegates of Illinois and a majority of the people of the North- 
west, I now place in nomination his Excellency, Horatio Seymour, of New York. 
[Immense cheering, renewed over and over again, followed this announcement.] 

The PRESIDENT: The gentleman is not in Order. [Laughter and applause.] 
The question is upon the motion of the gentleman from New Jersey for a call of the 
previous .question. 

Mr. OLDS, of Ohio: I move that when this convention adjourn it adjourn until 
to-morrow morning at ten o'clock. 

Mr. LONG, of Ohm called for the vote by States. 

Mr. POWELL, of Kentucky : I appeal to the gentleman from New Jersey to with- 
draw his motion. I never was in a deliberative body where the previous question 
was used to prevent a nomination for a candidate, and I hope that illiberal principle 
will never prevail in a democratic convention. 

Mr. HOLS MAN, of New Jersey said he had no such intention in offering the mo- 
tion, which he then withdrew. 

Mr. OLDS, of Ohio: I wist to state to the gentlemen of the Convention that in 
fifteen minutes it will be entirely dark, and there is no way to light this bnilding; 
and, therefore, I renew my motion to adjourn until to-morrow morning at ten o'clock. 

The motion was put and lost. 

Mr, LONG, of Ohio: I have but a very few words to say and I propose to say 
them ; and I am not afraid to speak what I think, even in the face of gentlemen who 
don't want to hear. I have faced the music before and I am willing to do it here. 
Although I had the honor, with the gentleman from Maryland [Mr. Harris] of be- 
ing put down by points of order, that he and I are both familiar with, in a republican 
Congress, yet I propose to give my views briefly of the qualifications of a candidate 
proposed for the Presidency in this campaign. 

Now, gentlemen of the Convention, what have we complained of for the last three 
or four years? What has been the burden of our complaint against Mr. Lincoln 
and his administration ? He has abridged the freedom of speech, he has arbitrari- 
ly arrested citizens and confined them in bastiies, and he has interfered with the 
freedom of elections. What have you proposed in these resolutions ? You have, to 
a certain extent, vindicated the freedom of speech, you have condemned arbitrary 
arrests and denounced interference with the freedom of elections ; and yet you pro- 
pose in George B. McCiellan to place upon that platform one who has gone farther 
in all three of these measures than has Abraham Lincoln himself. [Hisses and ap- 
plause.] George B. McCiellan has not contented himself with the arrest of a citizen 
here and there and incarcerating him in a bastile, but has arrested an entire Legisla- 
ture by one order. He has also suspended the writ of habeas corpus of which you 
have complained. [Voices " Never."] He has acquiesced in the emancipation proc- 



Democratic National Convention. 39 

tarnation of which you have complained of Mr. Lincoln [loud cries, of "No, 11 ] ; and 
yet you propose, in the very face of the denunciations you have heaped upon the 
head of Mr. Lincoln, tostultifyyourselves by taking up a man who has been a supple 
instrument of Mr. Lincoln for carrying out the very acts you denounce. 
{£ Gentlemen, hat did we come here for "as representatives of the great democratic 
party? T.' people ask for peace. [Applause.] Their eyes have been turned to tthis 
'conventio .. Millions of hearts are this evening, while we are assembled here, wait- 
ing in anxious suspense to know as to the platform and candidate you are to give 
them, that will either send a thrill of joy to their breasts or will strike them down 
with terror. What is it that is weighing more heavily on them than anything else ? 
A draft is to take place on the fifth day of this month — five days from to-day. 
< A DELEGATE : I rise to a point of order. The gentleman is out of order, for 
he is not speaking as to the qualifications of the candidates in nomination. 

Mr. LONG, of Ohio: That is jpst what [ am doing in my humble way, and I pro- 
pose to do it. [Laughter.] On yesterday — 

A DELEGATE : [Interrupting.] Will vou vote for the man who shall be nomi- 
nated ? 

Mr. LOXG, of Ohio: I expect to vote for the candidate nominated here. [Cheers,] 
I never have done otherwise. I have never voted anything but a democratic ticket 
from my first vote to the present hour. Although I am opposed to McClellan — al- 
though I think he is the woret man you could put upon the ticket having the name 
of a democrat, [applause and hisses,] I would still choose him before Lincoln or 
Fremont, and cast my vote with my friends. If that be my lot, I expect to do it. 
[Cheers.] Now, gentlemen, I say the people are looking to this convention to take 
some action — to give them a Candidate and a platform — to do something, at least, 
■whereby they will, after the coming election, see, or have at least a hope for the 
early end of this war. To that end on yesterday -I submitted' to this convention a 
resolution proposing to urge Mr. Lincoln to suspend the operation of the draft until 
we could have an opportunity in the election of November next, to let the people 
pay whether the war is to be continued or not. [Applause.] And, although it pro- 
posed immediate action, by the mauceuvering of certain gentlemen Well versed in 
parliamentary tactics, it had to go to the*Committee on Resolutions. The commit- 
tee have made their report, and my resolution, and everything else in reference to 
thie draft that affects the people more than anything elee, is passed over in silence. 
Then, gentlemen, is this what the people are to expect from a democratic conven- 
tion? [Crie3 of " No, no."] I trust not. Give us a candidate for President, anyone 
except George B. McClellan, any man, I care not who he is, [applause and hisses,] 
any one whose hands are clean, whose skirts are clear, [hisses,] any one who haa 
not been instrumental in making arbitrary arrests — in violating the freedom of elec^ 
tions and the rights of citizens in every possible manner in which he could carry 
out the wishes of Abraham Lincoln ; and, although he does not come from the North- 
west now suffering with taxation ; although not in our interests in the Northwest; 
although it may be for the benefit of eastern capitalists — if he be a democrat, free 
from these Btains — we will vote for him ; we will support him ; we will rally the 
masses to his support. Any man else, save and except George B. McClellan. [Hisses 
and cheers.] I beg of you not to nominate that man. I beg of you to give, us an- 
other condidate. Any man, [a voice, "Seymour of New York!"] any man — 
[Shouts for Bfeymour.] 
A DELEGATE : [Interrupting] I rise to a point of order. 
Mr. LONG, of Ohio : I have but a word or two to say, and I am done. 
Mr. FRIES, of Ohio: Will tha delegate from Ohio yield to me a moment? 
Mr. LONG, of Ohio: I will yield to my colleague. * 

Mr. FRIES, of Ohio : I move that we adjourn till ten o'clock to-morrow morning. 
[On being informed that Mr. Long wished to say but a few words more, Mr. 
Fries withdrew his motion. 

Mr. LONG, of Ohio: In conclusion, I beg of you not to nominate McClellan. 
Having laid upon the table the time-honored principles of the democratic party, as 
expressed in the resolutions of 1798-99, having ignored them by laying the resolu- 
tion upon the table, and weak as your platform is, looking in some degree to peace, 
as it does, in God's name do not place upon it a man who is pledged in every act 
against which your platform declares. I am not satisfied with the answer of 
my colleague from Ohio. [Gen. Mokgan,] that George B. McClellan was acting 



40 Democratic National Convention, 

under orders of the President. He was not obliged to make these arrests, and thus 
give his sanction and approval to them. Was he acting under the orders of 
Abraham Lincoln, when, on the 4th day of July, he delivered an oration at West 
Point, in which he announced the same doctrine? Was he acting under the orders 
of Abraham Lincoln when at Lake George he made a speech in which he also pro- 
posed a continuance of the war? If, in one case, he was acting under orders, in 
the other he was acting under his own impulses, and I ask of this convention what 
is to be expected of him after his speeches at West Point and Lake George. They 
are directly opposed to a peace platform, and if he accepts a nomination upon it, 
after what he has said, he stultifies himself, and, in my judgment, is unworthy the 
support of the democratic party. [Hisses and cries' of 'Never."] 

Mr. CARRIGAN, of Pennsylvania: I desire, in answer to the strictures of the 
gentleman from Maryland, [Mr. Harris,] and the gentleman from Ohio, [Mr. 
Long,] that Gen. George B. McClellan should speak for himself. Although 
written more than two years -ago, and constituting a portion of the record he makes 
against the efforts of the present administration to change a war inaugurated for the 
maintenance of the Union and the preservation of the Constitution, into an abolition 
crusade, it is fully applicable to the aspersions of to-day. He is charged with 
collusion with President Lincoln in relation to the proclamation of emancipation. 
No charge could be more unjust and so utterly at variance with his well known and 
oft repeated sentiments. Sir, he completely vindicates himself in a letter to Brig.- 
Gen. A. E. Burnside, written January 7th, 1862, in which he says: 

'-' I would urge great caution in regard to proclamations. In no case would I go beyond a mode- 
rate joint proclamation with the naval commander, which should say as little as possible about 
politics or the negro ; merely state that the true issue for which we are lighting is the preservation 
of the Union, and the upholding the lawsot the general government, and stating that all who conduct 
themselves properly, will, as far as possible, be protected in their person and property." 

Sir, is this an endorsement of the President's emancipation proclamation? Is 
this collusion with an unconstitutional declaration? Is it not rather an unequivocal 
condemnation? " Say as little as possible about politics and the negro," but every- 
thing and in a determined spirit, about the Union, the integrity of the Government 
and the protection of persons and property. How unlike this written record are the 
charges made here to-day! 

Again, in a letter to Maj.-Gen. Halleck, commanding the Department of Missouri, 
written November 11th, 1861, he says: 

"In regard to the political conductor affairs, you will please labor to impress upon the inhabi- 
tants of Missouri and the adjacent States, that we are lighting solely for the integrity of the Union, 
to uphold the power of our national government and to restore to the nation the blessings of peace 
and good order." 

Do these instructions to "Gen. Halleck sustain the uncharitable assertions of the 
gentleman from Ohio, that George B. McClellan violated "the freedom of 
elections and the rights of citizens?" Upon the contrary, sir, does he not absolutely 
divorce from the ''conduct of the war" such outrages upon the liberties of the 
people? Impressed with the sublimity of his mission and the patriotic impulses of 
the gallant men he commanded, he pleads il solely for the integrity of the Union ;" u the 
power of our national •government," and ^ the blessings of peace and good order." 
No purer sentiments or more exalted conception of duty ever animated the head or 
heart of a military chieftain. 

In his instructions to Gen. Buell, commanding the Department of the Ohio, 
written November 7th, 1861, he says: 

" It i3 possible that the conduct of our political affairs in Kentucky is more important than that of 
our military operations. I certainly cannot overestimate the importance of the former. You will 
please constantly to bear in mind the precise issue for which we are fighting ; that issue is the pre- 
servation of the Union and the restoration of the full authority of the general government over all 
portions of our territory. We shall most readily suppress this rebellion and restore the authority of 
the government by religiously respecting the constitulio-iud rights of all." 

Then, sir, as if he had not impressed Gen. Buell as strongly as he desired with 
the importance of the work before him — weighed down with the responsibilities 
attaching to the proper " conduct of the war," comprehending all the delicate rela- 
tions of this fearful struggle, desiring to avoid all unnecessary arrests and to protect 
to the uttermost verge the liberties of the citizen, he again, on November 1st, 1861, 
thus writes to Gen. Buell: 

" In regard to political matters, bear in mind that we are fighting only to preserve the integrity 
of the Uniou and to uphold the power of the general government; as far as military necessity will 
permit, religously respect the constitutional rights of all. Preserve the strictest discipline among the 



Democratic National Convention. 41 

troops, and, while employing the utmost energy in military movements, be careful ?o to treat the 
unarmed inhabitants as to contract, not widen the breach existing between us and the 
rebels. ****** ***l mean by this that it is the desire of the government to 
avoid uncessary irritation by eauselsss arrests and persecution of individuals. ****** 
I have always found that it is the tendency of subordinates to make vexatious arrests on mere 
suspicion. ****** It should be our constant aim to make it apparent to all that their 
property, their comfort, and their personal safety will be best preserved by adhering to the cause of 
khe Union . ' 

Sir, is there anything in these instructions to Gen. Buell, (who, for faithful com- 
pliance with said instructions, was compelled to resign or submit to dishonor at the 
hands of this administration.) I repeat, sir, is there anything in these instructions 
to warrant the changes of the gentleman from Maryland, that Gen. George B. 
McClellan was an "assassin of State rights." [Cries of "No," a no," mingled with 
loud applause from the galleries.] Sir, this convention and the country will hold 
the gentleman from Ivlaryland responsible for this slander, while by the action of 
the one and the votes of the other — in the nomination and triumphant election — his 
vindication will be complete. One more allusion to the consistent record of George 
B. McClellan, and I have done. In that statesmanlike compendium of what should 
be the object of the war as he understood it (written ten days after he had declared 
to Secretary Stanton, with an almost broken heart, but with unfaltering faith in his 
mission: " If I save this army now, I tell you plainly, that I owe no thanks to you 
or any other persons in Washington. You have done your best to sacrifice this 
army") — in that remarkable letter, written in camp, near Harrison's Landing, July 
7th, 1862, with the enemy in his front in overwhelming numbers, he for the last 
time, endeavors to impress the President of the United States with the true issues of 
the war, while in unmistakable language he declares : 

" Neither confiscation of property, political execution of persons, territorial organization of states, 
or forcible abolition of Slavery, should be contemplated for a moment. ******* 
Military arrest3 should not be tolerated except in places where active hostilities exist ; and oaths, 
not required by enactments, constitutionally made, should be neither demanded nor received." 

Then, sir, with a solemnity that can be felt, and in language grandly awful, he 
concludes : 

" I may be on the brink of eternity ; and as I hope for forgiveness from my Maker, I have written 
this letter with sincerity towards you and from love of my country.". 

General George B. McClellan in these letters speaks for himself. Here is his 
vindication from the assaults of the "gentlemen from Ohio and Maryland. "With the 
tenderness of Washington, the consistency of Jefferson, and with the firmness of 
.Jackson, he asserts, and at all times endeavored to maintain the Union and the 
Constitution, with the reservations of the one and the guarantees of the other. 
Toward the people of Maryland and Missouri — toward the people of Kentucky and 
North Carolina, he at all times evinced the most anxious solicitude for the protec- 
tion of their persons and property. . Despite the vindictive assaults here indulged 
in, George B. McClellan, to-day, is as deeply and firmly imbedded in the hearts of 
the American people, as the granite in the mountains and the iron in the ore-beds 
of his native Pennsylvania. [Loud and enthusiastic applause]. 

Mr. HOLSMAX, of Xew Jersey: I move that the nominations close, and that 
we now proceed to vote for the candidate for President, by States ; and upon that 
►motion I move the call of the previous question. 

Mr. FRIES, of Ohio: I rise to a privileged question. I move that we adjourn 
till to-morrow morning at ten o'clock. 

The PRESIDENT : That is not a privileged question. 

Mr. FRIES, of Ohio : Then I move that the motion for the previous question be 
laid on the table, and that the vote be taken by States. 

The PRESIDENT: The chair decides that the motion to lay on the table is not 
in order. 

Mr. FRIES, of Ohio: I appeal from that decision. 

The PRESIDENT : The decision of the chair is, that the motion is not in order, 
the motion before the Convention being for the previous question. The gentleman 
from Ohio, [Mr. Fries,] appeals from this decision of the chair. 

Mr. FRIES, of Ohio : I would ask, if it is the expectation of the members of this 
convention that we shall be able to conclude our proceedings to-night ? [Voices, 
"Yes" and" No. v ] I ask the gentlemen who say "yes" what preparation has 
been made to light this room, to enable us to make any progress? I, for one, now 
state, that I do not propose to sit here in the dark. , 

The motion to adjourn having been submitted was lost. 



42 Democratic National Convention. 

The PRESIDENT: I would call the attention of the gentlemen of the Conven- 
tion to the fact that it is. utterly impossible to transact business in this confusion. 

Mr. BIGLER, of Pennsylvania : I rise in the name of one of the great States of 
this Union, to appeal to my brother delegates to act at least in common order and 
good feeling. We have now reached a point in our deliberations at which we can 
terminate them directly and unequivocally in the morning, while it maybe truly 
said, we cannot do so to-night. Let us, therefore, by common consent, fix an hour 
at which we will assemble in the morning. Those in favor of adjourning will say 
aye. [Many voices. "Aye," and much laughter.] I beg the pardon of the chair. 
I did not mean to be taken quite so literally. [Laughter and applause.] Mr. Presi- 
dent, I move that we do now adjourn until ten o'clock to-morrow morning. 

The PRESIDENT : I wish to make an anouncement. The chairmen of the sev- 
eral delegations, will call at the rooms of the National Committee, at the Sherman 
House, at eight o'clock to-morrow morning, to receive their tickets of admission. It 
is moved and seconded that the Convention adjourn until ten o'clock to-morrow- 
morning. Those in favor of that motion will say " aye," and those of a contrary 
opinion will say '' no." 

The motion prevailed, and the Convention adjourned until Wednesday morning at 
ten o'clock. 



THIECB BAY, 

Wednesday, August 31. 

The Convention re-assembled, pursuant to adjournment, at ten o'clock in the fore- 
noon. 

The PRESIDENT having called the delegates to order, 

Rev. L. J. HALSEY, D. D., of the Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Chicago, 
opened the proceedings with prayer, invoking the Divine blessing as follows : 

PEAYEE. 

Almighty and most merciful God, our Father, the Creator and Governor of the Universe, Pre- 
server and bountiful Canefac or of ali men and nations, God over all, blessed forever, to Thee we 
come, upoa Thy great name we call, and before Thine infinite Majesty we bow our spirits, in ool- 
ernn reverence, and in humble con'ession of our sins, And We beseech Thee, most merciful God, 
that Thou wilt look dawn with Thy favor upon this Convention and thi3 congregation of the people 
of our laud, gathered from the different States of the Union, to deliberate about the great interests 
of our common country ; and grant Thy richest blessing upon it. Or that it may please Thee, moefc 
merciful God, to endow them richly with the healthful spirit of Thy grace. that it may please 
Thee to biess and direct and guide in all their deliberations, these representatives and heads of the 
people assembled here, for their country's welfare. Grant them wisdom to direct the public spirit 
in the ways o patriotism. do pour into their councils a spirit of wisdom and a spirit o' earnest 
and loyal love of their country and of our people, and a desire to worship Thee, Lord God, jjlost 
High, to secure the blessings o' Him, who rules in the hearts of all nations. God, our I. 
Thou hath been the God of our fathers in years past, and Thou art our God, the God and preserver 
of our nation, and we do entreat Thee that Thou wilt look with favor upon all these men, and give 
them a resolve at this assemblage of the people here, under the Constitution of cur beloved land, to 
inaugurate peace. we beseech Thee that Thou wilt direct all their deliberations; that Thou wilt 
rule over all their deliberations yet to come ; and bless the result of their decisions to the peace and 
prosperity of our land, to the restoration of law and order and integrity, throughout the nation,, 
from North to South, and from East to West, to the good of cur people everywhere, and to the glory 
of Thy great name and to the prosperity of Thy will and kingdom in the world. 

Lord, we beseech Thee that Thou wilt bless all the people with Thy richest blessings ; give unto* 
them wisdom, patriotism, public spirit, Integrity and virtue : aud in all the solemn calls upon them, 
may they remember their dread accoutability to Thee, the final Judge. Lord, help Thy serrvants 
here assembled, by endowing them with a knowledge of their dependence upon Thee for all wisdom, 
and their accontability to Thee the final Judge; and we do entreat Thee, Father, that this assero-- 
bly, in its deliberations and all the decisions which may be here made, may be governed and ruled 
by Thee fo the good of our land ; for the integrity of our nation ; for the continuance of our govern- 
ment — the system of government sustained by our fathers; for the preservation of our national 
unity ; and for the restoration of peace and prosperity throughout ail the nation. God, our Father, 
for this end blsss all public measures ; bless our rulers and al! that are in authority over us in the 
Capital, in the halls of Legislature, and in the field ; and grant that all hearts may b3 clothed with 
greater zeal for truth. Haste the day, God, when our distracted and bleeding land shall be re- 
stored again in all its integrity, and to' its wide-spread peace and prosperity. These blessings we 
ask in the name and for the sake of Thy Son, to whom, with Thee the Father, and Thee the Holy 
Ghost, be endless praise. Amen. 

THE MINUTES. 

Mr. CASS, of Pennsylvania: I move that the reading of the minutes of the pro- 
ceedings of yesterday, be dispensed with. 

Mr. KING, of Pennsylvania: I second that motion. 
I Which motion having been submitted to the Convention prevailed. 



Democratic National Convention. 



43 



1 Mr JOHNSON, of Pennsylvania : Mr. President, I withdraw my motion to lay the 
appeal on the table, which was taken by the gentleman from Ohio. 

Mr. FRIES, of Ohio: Having accomplished the object I had in view in taking 
that appeal, to wit, to put off this voting until morning, that we might perform our 
labor by day-light, I withdraw my appeal. 

THE EXISTENCE OF THE CC , ii-NTION NOT TO BE AFFECTED BY 

ADJOURNMENT. 

Mr. WICKLIFFE, of Kentucky : I desire to offer a resolution, which I regard as 
a privileged question, in reference to the future existence and continuance of the 
organization of this convention. I hope, if it is not a privileged question, there will 
bo unanimous consent upon it. I am satisfied there can be no exception to it. The 
delegations from the West, including that State to which I am attached, are of opin- 
ion that circumstances may occur between this and the fourth of March, that will 
make it necessary for the great inas'a of the democracy of this country to be re- 
assembled. To get up a new convention is a work of delay and much difficulty ; and 
my object is, that the dissolution of this convention shall not be affected by its ad- 
journment, after it finishes its labors to-day, but to leave it to the Executive Com- 
mittee, at the instance of the democracy, if any occasion shall require, to convene 
us at such time and place as the National Executive Committee shall designate : 

Resolved, That the Convention shall not be dissolved by adjournment at the close oi' its business, 
but shall remain as organized, subject to be called together at any time and place that the Na- 
tional Kxecutive Committee shall designate. 

i 'THE PRESIDENT: Under the rule the resolution will be referred to the 
Committee on Resolutions. The question is upon seconding the call for the pre- 
vious question, upon the motion to proceed to nominate a candidate for the 
Presidency. 

A DELEGATE : The motion is to proceed to elect a candidate for the Presidency 
of the United Slates, by a call of the States. 

The call for the previous question was sustained. 

The motion prevailed unanimously. 

THE NOMINATION FOX THE PRESIDENCY. 

THE PRESIDENT: The question now before the Convention is, Shall the 
Convention proceed to elect a candidate for the Presidency. 

THE SECRETARY : I would state for ( he information of the delegations vo 
that the vote must be not by the number of delegates, but by the electoral vote of 
the States. 

The SECRETARY thereupon proceeded with the call of States, when the chair- 
men of the several delegations announced their respective votes as follows: 

FIRST BALLOT. 



Stats a. 


George B. 
McClellak. 


tfqoa. 11, 

Seymour. 


IIOP.ATTO 

Seymour. 


CaARLKS 
O'CONXOK, 


Blakk. 


Maine 


4 
5 
4 

UK 

4 

5# 
ft 

7 
26 • 


8 

'i" 

i* 

i 

m 

10 %, 

"i" 

1 

83 


'2" 

'5" 




Yz 




New Hampshire 




Vermont 








Rhode Island 

Connecticut 





New York 

















Maryland 




Ohio 


.... 


Indiana 


16 

$14 

I 

2 
174 








Michigan , 

Missouri 


1« 


Minnesota 




Wisconsin , 




Iowa 

Kansas 


.... 


Totals 


IK 



I 



44 Democratic National Convention, 

Pending the call of the States the following remarks were made : *' 

Mr. AMASA J. PARKER, of New York, in behalf of the New York delega- 
tion said: Mr. President, the State of New York, regretfully passing by her 
favorite son, who disclaims the candidacy; ready to sacrifice all her dearest personal 
preferences on the altar of the public good; intent only on rescuing the country 
from the misrule and despotism which govern it, and to prevent their perpetuation; 
and having full confidence in the virtue, bravery, and ability of the distinguished 
man who has been designated by the people as their choice, casts her thirty-three 
Totes for George B. McClellan. [Overwhelming and long-continued applause.] 

Mr. HICKOX, of Illinois: The delegates of the State of [Illinois are instructed 
by the State convention to cast the vote of the State as a unit. It casts its entire 
sixteen votes for George B. McClellan. [Enthusiastic and tumultuous cheering.] 

Mr. SHEEAN, of Illinois: I wish to state that this vote of Illinois is cast by 
virtue of an instruction of the Convention of the Stare. The vote as it stands is 
twenty-one delegates to eleven. I do this in the spirit of the utmost harmony, but 
with a desire to do justice to myself and the minority of that delegation, and to what 
I believe to be the voice of a hundred thousand democratic voters in the State of 
Illinois, we protest against it. 

Mr. ROGERS, of Illinois: I can only say that the delegation of IHin<5is will 
fctand firm for George B. McClellan. [Loud cheers.] 

The call of the States having been completed, 

Mr. WICKLIFFE, of Kentucky: The delegates from the State of Kentucky cast 
the vote of their State according to the opinions they had that they should have a 
candidate eminently qualified to discharge the duties we propose to place upon him; 
but, sir, determined to unite with this convention of the democracy to preserve the 
Union and do all we can to save the Union from inevitable destruction, so far as the 
election of a President can do it, we surrender to George B. McClellan, and cast our 
vote for him. [Enthusiastic and prolonged applause.] 

Mr. JOHN B. WELLER, of California : California wishes to change her elec- 
toral rote, and casts it for Ceorge B. McClellan. [Loud cheers.] 

Mr. ALLEN, of Ohio : Have all the States voted ? 
I The SECRETARY: Yes. 

Mr. ALLEN, of Ohio : Then I desire that the delegate will afford an opportunity, 
so far as they choose to do so, for our delegates to conform their votes by the re- 
vision of that vote, to the vote which seems to indicate the will and purpose of the 
democracy of the United States. And for that purpose I desire that each man 
shall rise up in his place and name his condi date, if he chooses to rise; while those 
that do not choose need not answer. 

The SECRETARY: Mr. Allen? 

Mr. ALLEN, I vote for McClellan. [Applause.] 
" The PRESIDENT': Under the rules of the Convention the motion is inadmis- 
sible. The resolution adopted was that they should vote by States, and that the 
vote should be announced by the chairmen. 

Mr. ALLEN, of Ohio: I ask for the indulgence of the Convention five minutes, 
that the delegates from Ohio may have time to revise their votes. 

Time being allowed by consent for the delegation from Ohio to revise their vote, 
the following remarks were addressed to the Convention — by 

The PRESIDENT : Some gentlemen have done me the honor to present my 
name ifi connection with the office of President of these United Staten. It would be 
affectation on my part to say that these evidences of regard did not give me great 
pleasure; but many months since I announced to my friends in the State of New 
York that I could not, for reasons of both public and private character, be a can- 
didate for that high office. Having thus advised life-long friends of my purposes, 
those to whom I have been under so many great and enduring obligation is, it would 
not be honorable on my part to allow my name to be brought forward under circum- 
stances of apparent antagonism to them, when their views and commitments led 
them in another direction. [Cheers.] As a member of the New York delegation, 
I thought it would be advisable to place in nomination for the Presidency, an 
eminent jurist of that State. [Cheers. J I was lead to that conclusion, not by any 
doubt of the ability and patriotism of General McClellan, or from any want of 
regard for his person or character, for I cherish a warm attachment for both. I know 
that General McClellan never sought the nomination now conferred upon him. 
[Cheers.] I know from his declaration to myself and others that it would bo mere 



Democratic National Convention. 45 

agreeable to hiin to resume his connection with the army of his country, than to 
occupy the Presidential chair; but the wishes of the people have decided that it 
should be otherwise. [Applause.] 

I wish to say a few words with regard to the objections which have been urged 
against his nomination, and which have caused some excitement in this convention. 
I speak more particularly of the objections urged by the delegation from Maryland. 
I did to one of its members an act of injustice by a decision, because I did not 
understand tho purport of his remarks. It is due to him, that I should 
say, that I am confident that he never meant to take part in the pro- 
ceedings of this body, without submitting in an honorable manner to its 
decisions. [Cheers.] With respect to the orders issued by General Mc- 
Clellan affecting the citizens of that State, I must say that I do not 
approve of them; but they must not be viewed in the light which events have 
since thrown upon the policy of the administration. At that time the wisest and best 
men of our country had confidence in its purposes. Then, the President denounced 
measures which he has since adopted; then the friends of the Union in the border 
States were listened to by him, with every appearance of respect and deference. The 
mask had not been thrown off, and obedience to his orders did not imply hostility 
to the rights of States. We must bear in mind how at that moment the public was 
convulsed by a condition of affairs without precedent, and by questions which were 
suddenly forced upon the public attention, and with regard to which, public men 
were compelled to act without time for reflection. What man can say after looking 
back over his own action during the past three years, that he has not fallen into 
many and grave errors with respect to his duty ? God knows, I cannot, after re- 
viewing my own official conduct, which wa3 ever governed with an earnest and 
prayerful desire to do what was right. [Cheers.] I cannot say that all my official 
action has been such, as at this time to commend itself even to my own approval. 

This is no time to ask, who have been right in the past; but who are right now, 
and who will act in the future with a single purpose to save our Union, our Consti- 
tution and our liberty. [Cheers.] We are now appealing to all classes of citizens 
to unite with us in this great object. It would be unjust to a multitude of men who 
voted to put Abraham Lincoln into the presidential chair and who mean by their 
votes to put him out of it,Jsjlo look backward, and to canvass past differences of 
opinions. [Loud cheering.] Would that we were able to draw a veil over the last 
three year's history of this country ! Let us forget the past, and devote ourselves 
in the future to the salvation of our country. [Cheers.] 

It is but just to say, of the distinguished general, whom we have in effect already 
placed in nomination, that there is no man living, w r ho feels more keenly than he 
does, the wrongs which have been heaped on the State of Maryland, a State whose 
history is honorable, and which has ever been identified with all that is glorious, in 
the history of our Union, in the better days of the Republic. [Cheers.] While I 
did not, in the delegation of which I am a member, vote for placing him in nomina- 
tion, I cannot refrain from saying in behalf of General McClellan w T hat in my heart 
I feel to be true, that when he is elected to the Presidential office, he will reflect 
with fidelity, boldness and zeal, the sentiments of patriotism and love of liberty and 
iaw, which animate the hearts of those who are here now assembled. [Long and 
continued cheering.] 

Mr. PIERCE, of Maine: I trust nothing will occur to mar the good feeling and 
unanimity which should prevail in this convention to allow the delegation from 
Ohio, by common consent, to make such explanations as they may desire to offer in 
regard to the vote which Ohio has just now cast. 

Mr. THURMAN, of Ohio : The gentleman from Maine, is under an entire misap- 
prehension. I do not know that any gentleman desires to offer an explanation. 
^ Mr. ALLEN, of Ohio, We only jisk for a little time to allow us to revise the vote 
of the State. [Cheers.] 

Mr. CHURCH, of New York, presented the following communication, which was 
read : 

"To the President of the NnHonal Democratic Convention ; 

F " As chairman of the ' People's League,' founded in 18.14, and as a delegate from the 
25Tew York Nation] Democratic Associaion, which both associations now amount to over two hun- 
dred thousond adherents and members, I have been directed by my constituents to offer the follow- 
ing resolutions ; 

" ''Resolved, That we, the German citizens, well knowing that In 1860 a great numbe'of our 
Wiled German brethren contributed to the election of Abraham Lincoln, and thereby assisted in 



46 



Democratic National Convention, 



bringing our present calamities upon the shoulders of this now down -trodden nation, we now pledge 
ourselves to correct the deplorabla errors of our fellow countrymen, and to work, act and do ou? 
utmost to elect a democratic President, in order to get rid forever of Abraham Lincoln, and all meu 
adhering to bis criminal or despotic inclinations. 

I " Resolved, That we will go like one man for the nominee of this democratic convention, firmly 
expect ng that his noble conceptions of pure democracy will be our best shield against all endeavor* 
to endanger a«y right of any part of the people. 

(Signed.) "Max Laxgenschwartz, 

' ' People's Delegate." 

Mr. AL_jEN", of Ohio : The delegates of Ohio have revised their vote, and now 
cast for McClellan fifteen, and for Thomas H. Seymour six. [Loud cheers and Eome 
dissatisfaction.] 

Mr. STUART , of Ohio : I came to this convention an anti-McClellan man, and 
I have done what little I could in my humble way to elect another man; but hav- 
ing become satisfied that Gen. McClellan is the choice not only of this convention, 
but of the great body of the people, I now move that Gen. McClellan's nomination 
be declared unanimous. [Loud cheers.] 

The PRESIDENT : Will the gentleman please wait until the vote ia announced ? 

The SECRETARY : The vote stands as follows : For Gen. George B. McClellan, 
two hundred and two and a half electoral votes, and for Thomas II. Seymour, twenty- 
three and a half electoral votes. The complete revised ballot, showing the vote of 
the several States, is as follows : 

REVISED BALLOT. 



States, 



George B. 
McClellan. 



Thomas H. 
Srtmocr. 



Maine 

New Hampshire. 

Vermont. 

Massachusetts . . . 

Rhode Island 

Connecticut 

New York 

New Jersey 

Pennsylvania. ... 

Delaware 

Maryland 

Kentucky 

Ohio 

Indiana 

Illinois 

Michigan 

Missouri 

Minnesota 

"Wisconsin 

Iowa 

Kansas 

California 

Oregon 



Totals 

Necessary to a choice. 



7 
5 
5 

12 
4 
9 

83 
7 

25 



11 
15 

16 
8 
7 
4 
8 
8 
3 
5 



202>£; 



T 



2S3£ 
..151 



The announcement of the change of State after State to McClellan, was greeted by 
bnrsts of applause from all parts of the house. But when the result of the ballot 
was announced, as above, the vast audience surrendered itself to the wildest enthu- 
siasm. Shout after shout from the assembled thousands, mingling with the thun- 
ders of cannon and the swelling strains of mnsic, swept out from that building. For 
over fifteen minutes the tumultuous applause continued. Gentlemen upon chairs 
swung their hats. Ladies waved their handkerchiefs. Every one joined in the 
grand shout of joy, caught up and echoed back and back again by the eager and 
enthusiastic thousands Avho were unable to gain admission. As the vast as.'emblage^ 
was again subsiding to its wonted decorum, a number of members of the McClellan 
Executive Committee, of New York, entered the hall with a large and handsome 
banner bearing a portrait of the hero of Antietam, and the following emblazoned 
upon it in large characters : " McClellan, our Country's Hope and Pride; " and u ff 
j cannot have the command of even my own men, all I ask is to be permitted to 
share their fate on the field of battle" The banner was carried to the canopy be- 
hind the President's chair, where it was elevated amid the wildest enthusiasm of 
the people on the sight of ihat flag under which the brave and gallant general gave 
Buch distinguished service to his country. 



Democratic National Convention. 4Y 



> 



Gilmore's Band, from Boston, which had been introduced upon the floor, saluted 
the banner, with "Hail to the Chief!" This, a second time, invoked the enthusi- 
asm of the audience, which found expression as before in thunders of applause and 
in the waving of handkerchiefs. 

While the cheers were yet deafening, Mr. Vallandigham of Ohio, took the stand. 
The vast audience of thousands knew as by intuition, the words he had to utter, and 
greoted him with a fresh burst of applause, so deafening and continuous, that it was 
many minutes before silence could be restored sufficiently for his voice to he heard. 

Mr. VALLANDIGHAM, of Ohio: My position in regaid to the question of can- 
didates, has not been doubtful previous to or since the commencement of tbe session 
of the Convention ; but I am not of the number who resolved to support a candidate 
by beginning with a protestation against him. [Cheers.] From the first moment wo 
assembled here to (the* last, I have been animated by but one sentiment, and 
that nearest my heart — in this convention peace, to the end that there may bo 
peace in the land. [Loud and tremendous applause.] I now move, Mr. President, 
that the nomination just announced be declared to be the unanimous sense of this 
convention. [Loud and long-continued cheering.] 

Mr. McKEON, of New York : I rise to second the motion of my friend from 
Ohio. From the commencement, as he has said, I have been in favor of peace in 
the Convention and peace in the land. [Cheers.] I was in a minority in the dele- 
gation, and I am Avilling at all times to declare for whom I voted. My vote was giv- 
en in the delegation to Charles O'Counor, of New York. [Applause.] I 
now rise to say that I shall give my support to Gen. George B. McClellan, with all 
the zeal and all the industry of which I am capable. [Enthusiastic cheers.] I think 
the time has arrived when no further dissensions ought to exist in the democratic 
party with regard to candidates. It is time to close up our ranks. [Cheers,] It is 
time for us to stand as one man. [Cheers-] It is time for us to show to the admin- 
istration that we have resolved that it shall close up on the fourth of March next. 
[Great cheering and laughter.] There can and should be no dissensions amongst us 
while we are met face to face with our enemies in politics. Let me tell you that if 
Mr. Lincoln is re-elected, no one can tell the additional horrors that will come upon 
this land. [Cheers.] There is not a man here of any note who will not be a marked 
man ; dhere is not a man here whose life, property and everything — whose wife, 
children and home — will not be in danger should such a deplorable result follow 
as the election again of Abraham Lincoln. [Cheers.] We are in the midst of a 
revolution — a bloody revolution, and the democratic party has risen up to stem the 
bloody tide ; and, in the name of the God of mercy, I beg of you, let us unite as one 
man to restore the government of the United States under the leadership of the 
distinguished gentleman you have nominated. [Enthusiastic cheering.] 

Mr. POWELL, of Kentucky : Gentlemen of the Convention, it is well known, I 
Suppose, to the members of the Convention, that the nominee was not my first 
choice for the office of President. The portion of the Kentucky delegation of which 
I am a member, cast their vote for that distinguished patriot and statesman, Got. 
Seymour, of Connecticut ; and when we found that Gen. George B. McClellan re- 
ceived over two-thirds of the votes of the Convention, and not until then, we chang- 
ed our vote and cast it for Gen. McClellan. [Loud cheers.] I fully approve of the 
sentiment uttered by my distinguished friend from Ohio, Mr. Vallandigham, that 
we desire peaee here that we may have peace throughout this broad land. [Cheers.] 
Allow me gentlemen, to urge you to unity — unity of action — for the sake of the 
public liberties. Let us heal all of our dissensions. We have a corrupt and un 
scrupulous foe in front of us, that has stricken down all the personal, political, and 
religious rights of the people of this country, so far as they dare do it. I believe 
that the very destinies of the Republic are in the hands of the great democratic 
and conservative party of the country, and that, unless we oust the administration 
now in power, and put in its place honest and true men, who will uphold the Consti- 
tution and respect the rights of the people, the sun of American liberty has set for- 
ever. [Cheers.] Let me urge you then, every one of you, to lay aside personal 
feelings and prejudices of whatever kind, and stand together, shoulder to shoulder, 
in order that we may carry the banners of the democratic party to victory under the 
leadership of the gallant McClellan, [Loud cheers.] 1 Ik re is something in th© 
history of our candidate that I would be glad were blotted out forever; but I hott* 



a 



j 



.48 Democratic National Convention. 

estly believe that he is a pure patriot and honest man. [Cheers.] I do not approve 
and cannot approve of his action concerning the arrests in Maryland; but I believe 
it was an indiscretion, committed in an unreflecting moment, aud that, if there now 
is an upright patriot in the land, it is that zealous and well-tried soldier, Gen. 
McClellan. [Loud cheers.] If we should succeed in electing him — and I believe 
we will most triumphantly — I feel that we shall see the Constitution of the country 
restored — the liberties of the Republic preserved ; that we shall have no more suspen- 
sion of the writ of habeas corpus — no more arbitrary arrests, in defiance of the law ; 
and, in a word, I believe that the government will be administered properly, accord- 
ing to the Constitution, and our liberties secured and protected from violence. [Loud 
cheers.] I have every confidence in the nominee of the Convention, as a most excel- 
lent and able man ; and I have no fear that while he is President, any body connect- 
ed with him will issue such orders as those issued in Maryland, winch" have been 
mentioned before this convention. You must remember that when he issued them 
he was a soldier serving in the army, not a politician. I believe that he was im- 
properly advised in that matter ; and, sir, as a peace man who has opposed this war 
from the beginning, never having voted a man or a dollar to carry it on, I never will 
occupy the position of one approving of the war or of the unjust acts connected with 
it ; but I believe that Gen. McClellan, as the nomineo of this convention, should 
receive my support, and he will have it — my warm, hearty, zealous support. [Loud 
cheers.] Asa member of the democratic party, I never have, failed to go for ite 
nominee ; and although Gen. McClellan was not my favorite or first choice, yet I am 
ready, with all my heart and soul, to give him my strongest support as the standard- 
bearer ot the great democratic party. [Loud and long-continued applause.] 
1 Mr. SAULSBURY, of Delaware: I wish to say, sir, on behalf of the delegation 
from Delaware and of the democracy of Delaware, that if the national democracy 
will carry out the platform adopted by this convention yesterday, and secure to ua 
in Delaware — who have long suffered under the iron heel of despotic power — the 
blessings of constitutional freedom, we will give more votes, according to our pop- 
ulation, for Gen. George B. McClellan, than any other State in the Un:'on. [Trei 
mendous applause.] 

The PRESIDENT : Gentlemen of the Convention, we are honored with the pre- 
sence here to-day, of one whose reputation has ever stood high with the American 
people and whose reputation i3 the more endeared to us from his connection with 
the memory of Andrew Jackson. [Loud cheers.] I call upon Senator Allen, of 
Ohio, to address the Convention. 

Mr. ALLEN, who was received with enthusiastic applause, spoke as follows ; 

Gentlemen of the Convention: Men op America: During the last four years 
our rulers have been so unfortunate as to make political and military mistakes which 
have exposed this nation to the complicated dangers of disintegration, despotism 
and anarchy. [Cheers.] The people of the nation at large, irrespective of party 
badges or distinctions, have become appalled at the dangers which threaten it in 
the near future, and have looked around to find on earth some power capable of 
rescuing them from these dangers to which they are exposed, and by which they 
are environed. They have found but one power, and that is the old democracy of 
the United States. [Great cheering.] In obedience to the call of this endangered 
country, you have come forward here and tendered your services to aid the balance 
of your countrymen in the salvation of your country. [Cries of "good," and cheers.] 
Your deliberations are abcut to be brought to a conclusion ; and, fully aware that 
it was the unhappy split in our party four years ago which opened the way for the 
ingress of this destructive power, you are now bound by your own allegiance to the 
Constitution of your country to close up your ranks and act unitedly, as the only 
means of saving it. [Cheers.] Hence it is that, notwithstanding the necessary and 
unavoidable diversity of sentiment in regard to unimportant and irrelevant issues, 
and in regard to the individuals named for the great office of President, in the end 
we behold what we are about to enjoy — the grand consummation of the union of 
the democratic party first, and then the Union of the States. [Loud cheers.] Whilst 
there is a democrat in the land whose reason is not obscured by error, and whose 
heart is undaunted by danger, there need be no despair of the Union or of the lib- 
erties of the people. The people have done wisely in calling the democracy to 
make this great effort for the country. I think they have done wisely, because our 



Democratic National Convention* 49 

party, the great democracy, can say — what no political party on earth can say — 
that before the breaking out of our troubles and the commencement of the war it 
acquired all the territory of the Union, carried the country successfully through 
two foreign wars, and so administered the government as to leave the people, at the 
end of its lengthened term of office, happy, prosperous and contented. [Cheers.] 
The States were then all in their proper places within the Union, and under the 
Constitution, and that Constitution four years ago remained as uncontaminated and 
unbroken as when it received the signature of the Father of his Country. With 
such a record for the party in the past, what could the nation do than see for itself 
that that body has never betrayed us, and that under its wise administration we 
prospered and were happy. Under it we put down Hartford nullification and South 
Carolina nullification without drawing a drop of blood. [Cheers.] We never drew 
a drop of blood, and we can say what no government on earth could say before, 
that under our administration peace and harmony prevailed, though the country ex- 
tended over thirty-four States, a space well nigh as large as the whole of Europe ; 
occupied by a population made up from all parts of the Avorld, speaking nearly all 
languages and entertaining all manner of religious sentiments, and spread over a 
land with a diversity of climate and having a variety of local interests. 

We maintained happiness and prosperity as long as the democratic party had con- 
trol of the government. [Loud cheers.] We administered the government without 
having drawn a drop of blood for a political offense. [Renewed cheers.] Our 
President put down two such local difficulties as that which existed in the South 
in 1859 without even drawing a sword. How many men, I would like to ask, were 
murdered, and how long did the civil war last, in putting down the Hartford con- 
vention V [Applause.] Mr. Madison was then. in power. Where are the thousands 
and hundreds of thousands who by his order lost their lives in putting that insur- 
rection down? Why, sir, he never injured even a pumpkin. [Laughter and 
cheers.] How was it in South Carolina, that State which threatened to secede from 
the Union in 1833 ? Andrew Jackson was then in power as President. Did he 
murder hundreds of thousands of citizens to get rid of that local difficulty ? There 
was not a word of it ; but on the contrary he appealed in a great proclamation to 
the reason and sense of the people to maintain the Union and the country. He did 
what every democrat had done before him, and will do afterwards — he assumed the 
proposition that mankind was capable of self-government, and that human reason 
was sufficient to maintain it without powder and steel. [Loud and enthusiastic 
eheering.] 

The illustrious and eminent gentleman who presides over the deliberations of this 
body, threw out some remarks the other day, in his inaugural address, which, in 
my judgment, were eminently proper to be considered and acted upon by every 
democrat. One of the difficulties which you will have will be in getting all the 
votes you want, and the way you can get them is by adopting the idea of .our illus- 
trious president in this convention ; and that is to proclaim that we are not seeking 
power to massacre our enemies. Not at all. The men of the South were never so 
well protected as we used to protect them, and they never will be so well protected 
as we will protect them if they will come-back. States as well as individuals will 
be regarded, for our administration, if elected by the democratic party, will thereby 
be placed under the wholesome restraint and direction of democratic instincts. 
[Applause.] That administration, instead of becoming the enemy and persecutor of 
any part of our people, will v aet like that celebrated woman in modern history, the 
first Catharine of Russia, a peasant girl born, by a marriage with Peter the Great 
and upon the death of her husband, the sole sovereign of the Russian Empire. 
The first act of her power was to issue an order that all the gallows and "gibbets 
of the country should be pulled down, [applause,] and that all the instruments of 
human torture should be broken to pieces.. [Renewed cheering.] That is the spirit 
in which we commence this contest. We will have no bastiles put up, but we will 
have the present bastiles opened and cleaned out. [Tremendous cheering.] Our 
President will be the friend and guardian and protector, in obedience to and within 
the limits of the constitution, of every State, and of every man, woman and child 
within the sweep of our flag. [Applause.] In this spirit we will go into this con- 
test. In thig spirit we will present ourselves with a fascination so great that the 
timid republicans, who are now afraid that we will be dow» »pon them with more 



50 Xtzmocratic National Convention. 

blood and more taxes, will come to our camp and sit in protection under the broad 
segis of 'the constitution and the lav,-, as administered by the faithful interpreters of 
that constitution, the democratic nominees. As matters stand we have been in 
somewhat of a predicament for the last three or four years. The democratic party 
during that time has been without any organized representation. With the excep- 
tion of the State of New York, and the smaller State of New Jersey, there was not 
an organic thing on this continent that was not against us. The Federal govern- 
ment, including the army and navy, was in the hands of Sir. Lincoln. State govern- 
ments, with the two exceptions mentioned, were all against us ; and yet, with all 
this organic power opposed to us, what do we behold? Why, we behold a rising 
power from among the body of the people — a spontaneous current made up of the 
contribution of individual wills, and individual feelings ; and that power is so great 
as to make Mr. Lincoln and his people tremble in their boots. [Cheers.J We have 
not a musket ; We don't want any- — we don't need any. We have the ballot box, 
we have tickets, we have human reason, and all we ask of Mr. Lincoln is, that he 
will keep the road to the ballot box unobstructed by fraud or force; that he will 
keep that road open to the people ; give us a clean ticket and a fair count out. 
[Laughter and applause.] That is all we want. We do not care how many revolv- 
ers he has so that he will just keep them away from the people. We want him to 
do that. Mark you ! We don't want him to interfere, and I dont think he wtll tr}' 
it after this demonstration. 

Now my friends, I know how anxious you all are to get through with the glorious 
doings of this day. I am not going to detain you,. Nor am I going to say that I will 
support the ticket. Great God ! I never did anything else. [Cheers.] I will 
not only support it, but I will do it with all my heart, with all my might, and with 
all cheerfulness. I once voted for a man on the democratic ticket for Congress, and 
refused to speak to him as I returned from the polls, because he was on the ticket ; 
and, my friends, I take it for granted, and always have taken^t for granted, that, 
whatever else happens in the world, God and the people can't be wrong [Applause. J 
I came here without any personal feelings in this business. I have no desire but 
that the desire of others shall be gratified. I think now that any. fears which some 
of our friends may have entei'.tained in regard to this eminent man already nomi- 
nated are without any foundation. I will tell' you why. We have had Presidents 
of the United States before this who commanded the whole army and' navy, and 
were victorious Generals. Did they do us any harm ? Did Andrew Jackson enslave 
his country ! [Loud and enthusiastic cheering.] Did he employ armies to silence 
the clamors of a few factionists in South Carolina? Not at ail. How many men 
did he send to the' Bastile ? Not Onev He was a military man, with military in- 
stincts as strong as Gen. McClellan, and with this difference : that Jackson came in 
upon his own popularity, and McClellan comes in as a man believed by the demo- 
cratic party to be fittest for this particular emergency. McClellan has been sug- 
gested by the perilous condition of the country for reasons, all of which have been 
given to the people ; but it makes no difference whether they have been given to 
the people or nOfc ; there is a secret instinct in the breast of every democrat which 
at night, when he is alone and passes his eye over the darkened aspect of this 
country, will lead him to feel and see a reason to have some person of McClellan's 
stripe near at hand. [Applause.] Do you understand it? The army, the great 
citizen army does not belong to any one man in this country. It belongs to the 
people ; it is a part of the people ; it is under the patronage and protection of the 
people ; and the army know what we mean very well. They know that we 
don't intend to say to them, " Go on,, you brutes, into the field ; no matter how 
many thousands of you are slaughtered to-day, I will draw a drag-net through the 
country and haul up as many more to be slaughtered to-morrow." [Loud cheers. ] 
Nothing of that kind. We don't want a cold-blooded joker at Washington who, 
while the District of Columbia is infested with hospitals, and the atmosphere bur- 
dened by the groans and sighs of our mangled countrymen, when he can spare a 
minute from Joa Miller's jest book, looks out upon the acres of hospitals and inquires 
" What houses are those ! " We want a man who can entertain a proper apprecia- 
tion of their sufferings — a man who knows what a soldier means when he points to 
a missing arm and says : "This arm was lost at such a battle ; " or raising a muti- 
lated hand, says: "This hand was fractured at such a battle — this limb was brok- 






Democratic National Convention. 51 

cn at such a battle, -whore I fought at your order in defence of the government of 
my country, as you told me." When a soldier comes to George B. McClellan he 
will not be answered in a ribald joke. The soldiers all understand this tiling. 
They know what the Democratic party means ; that so long as the army exists under 
democratic rule, the brave children of the country who have enrolled themselves 
under its banners will be respected, regarded and cared for, their pensions paid, 
their families provided for, because there will be some humanity as well as blood in 
this business. There will be no call upon half a million of young men to go and be 
cut to pieces under any pretence, hashed worse than animals, worse than the Roman 
gladiators, and then come back to be paid off with a jest. [Cheers.] They will all 
know, every one of them, that Gen. McClellan is no joker, and will know every 
one of them, when they are told to fight that it will be for something that is constitu- 
tional and legitimate, and when they are told the fighting is ended they will be 
willing to say, "Well, General, Mr President, I expect you are about right." 
Willingly and cheerfully they will acquiesce in the decision of the nation as exhib- 
ited in the person of the President. The army will throw up their caps in spite of 
subordinates, because the election of Gen. McClellan will re-connect them with the 
people. Hitherto orders have been issued and plans devised to cut off the army 
from the people, to separate and array them against each other, and that has been 
the great danger of the last four years. This vote will re-connect the army with the 
people, and give the civil the paramount authority over the military of the country. 
[Loud cheers.] 

Mr. BOGY, of Missouri: Gentlemen of the convention, I will detain you but 
one moment. I am a delegate to this Convention from the State of Missouri. I 
came here for peace. We all came from Missouri here, for peace. I was one of 
those who believed that the best security for peace was the selection of some one 
of the many civilians and statesmen of our country. My choice was for the distin- 
guished gentleman who presides over this our assembly. [Cheers.] But as we 
failed in obtaining our choice, I have no hesitation in saying that I am in favor of 
making the selection of Gen. McClellan the unanimous one of this Convention. 
[Renewed cheering.] Our State is a vast scene of desolation ; it is overrun with 
hostile bands ; every man and every woman is bleeding in the land, we are a sub- 
jugated, a conquered, and a tyranized people. We know what war is, and we wish 
to appreciate what peace is. We have struggled between two armies ; hence we 
are in favor of peace, and of peaceful measures to end this war. Having failed in 
securing our choice, I have but to say, that we will rally around the nominee of this 
Convention, and that Missouri and Kentucky, who met in consultation last night, 
will go arm in arm, and hand in hand, to drive from our respective soils the bayo- 
net, and restore once more peace to our whole country. No pen can describe the 
condition of these States — even the papers of our country dare not. state it. Free 
press and free speech does not exist at all. We hope that the proceedings of this 
Convention, and the workings and doings of this Convention, will restore peace ; 
we want peace ; we need peace ; and we expect you of the Northern ^States, you of 
the free States, who know nothing of war, to protect us in our rights. I thank you 
for your attention. [Applause.] 

The PRESIDENT : We have heard from a distinguished friend of Andrew Jack- 
son ; You will now listen to the words of one whow as the first friend of Henry Clay 
during his life time ; and if he had lived till now, God knows he would have been, 
with us. 

Mr. JAMES E. THAYER, of New York, said: 

Mr. President and Gentlemen of tee Coxvextion: It may be considered 
inappropriate by some, for a member of this convention to rise at such an hour as 
this to make a speech, but as I have said nothing since I have been here, I beg the 
convention will excuse me for occupying a small portion of its time. I know that 
this is not a place for words, but it is the grandest stage of human action of our day aud 
generation, and for the future of our country. It will be marked in my judgment, 
as a great event in history, that the Democratic party assembled in solemn council 
in 1864. Three years and a half of civil war. that has destroyed many things and 
changed almost everything, leaves to-day the Democratic party indestructible and 
unchanged. Amid all thw rude shocks of the conflict, with some aberation cf its 
own, you can still mark the grand curve of its orbit, and hold to the promise that 



52 Democratic Rational Convention, 

it will circle round to the fulfillment of its highest, grandest destiny — the reconstruc- 
tion of the Union, and the re-establishment of the Constitution. [Applause.] And 
this, while all other parties, factions and organizations, after a too long revelry in 
the guilty glory of this war, self destructive, are about to expire in the very chaos 
and ruin they have produced. To-day the Democratic party, with imposing and 
august aspect, sends forth its heralds for the campaign of 1864, with Washington as 
a sacred memory, and McClellan as the living leader. [Tumultuous applause.] 
And now let me ask you, as you come from the North and the East, what will you 
do? What answer does New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont make from their 
mountain homes; and old Massachusetts, from the sweet swelling mound of Bunker 
Hill; what say you? And Connecticut, from the shadow of your Charter Oak, 
what is your response? (A voice: "The Constitution and the Union.") The 
Union, the Constitution, is your answer! New- York, with her empire voice, re- 
sponds to this, and tells you here to-day, that on the platform and principles laid 
down we will reconstruct our government, and again restore to this land, peace, 
prosperity and happiness to all. (Great applause.) One word here, and it is this: 
we want in this contest brave men. We have a platform, we have a candidate, and 
will you not come up, ye men who have the confidence of the Democracy of this 
country, in the North, in the central states, and over the West? We want, I say, 
brave and intrepid men, because no man knows what is in the future. Do you not 
see that while this convention has been in session the administration is attempting 
to strip your Western States of your sovereign robes of power, and, twisting them 
into a bow-string, strangle you, and throw you helpless upon the Bosphonis wave, 
where you and all your liberties will sink to rise no more. (Voices — "They cannot 
do it.") I do not believe they can do it; but let the men stand forth — men who will 
accept the present and all the future issues of this contest in all the grandeur, if 
need be, of accepted death [applause] — men like Mirabeau, in the French revolu- 
tion, who, when the populace cried, "Grand treason of Count Mirabeau," and their 
voice rose to the cry pf the lantern and he marched to the tribune, and his friends 
whispered of danger, said, "I know it, and I come from it with victory, or to be 
torn in fragments." [Applause.] He came in triumph as all men will come when 
they rise to that sublime altitude in public affairs where they strike the stars, and 
point with their sovereign fingers the path in which the people will follow them. 
That is what we want, and we will have Union, and peace with Union; that is the 
voice of New York. Who, in reviewing the last three years and a half, has not 
often despaired of the Union, and of the Constitution, and of peace? How often 
have we thought that the storm of revolution would not abate; that no subsiding 
wave would reveal the mountain top, and that the dove of peace would fold at last 
her tired, baffled wing, and sink to a cold, wild, ocean grave. But here, under the 
auspices of the Democratic party, announcing that they are for the Union, they give 
you with the Union the promise of peace. When the windows are opened the white- 
winged messenger will come back with the leaf plucked off, the olive leaf in her 
mouth. [Applause.] Wait a little longer, and when she goes forth again she will 
not come back to us any more, for there will be no more blood, no more tears, for 
the face of 'the land will be dry. [Applause.] And how will the patriotic hearts 
of the people of this country thank you that you have given them the promise of a 
restored Union, of a re-established Constitution. How will tney thank you — the 
first body of men that have assembled within the last four years to utter any political 
doctrines or principles — that, in your calm deliberations, in your solemn judgment, 
you have closed your eyes for one moment to the sound of martial airs — the rustling 
of banners, and the tramp of armed men; that you have turned away from ensan- 
guined fields, where blood runs and men are dying, to breathe an atmosphere melo- 
dious only with the harmony and beauty of nature, where you can listen to the 
songs of birds and the music of water- falls. They will thank God that, if we cannot 
have an abiding and lasting peace, we shall have, at least, a moment in which to 
cool this quick round of the blood and calm this wild and fevered brow of a nation's 
delirium, ere the golden bowl is broken and the silver cord is loosed for ever and 
for ever. Aye, and if the Democratic party to-day was in power, and could send 
forth its promise to the people of this land, what a chorus of joy would ascend to 
heaven.at the prospect that the Union with the Constitution restored and peace fol- 
lowing, would be brought home to them! How many he^fcs would thank you if 
the sun, for one autumnal month, would ripen the fruita of the season without 



Democratic National Convention, 5Z 

lighting the way of contending armies to battle, to murder and to sudden death; if 
we could gaze on one moon as it fulls and wanes, whose pale, cold beams did not 
fall on ten thousand, twice ten thousand, new-made graves of the best and bravest 
men that ever knew a mother's prayers, a wife's love, a sister's smile, and an old 
man's blessing. [Applause.] This, this is the august task undertaken by the 
Democratic party — the preservation of our Union, the re-establishment of our Con- 
stitution, and the restoration of peace. It stands, to-day, proud in its history, con- 
fident in the past, hopeful for the future. Yea, and from this point it mo^fs for- 
ward to its great work. Come up, then, from the West, from the North, from the 
East, and the central States, and dedicate yourselves to this grand mission. To-day 
the shouts that go forth from this convention, of " McClellan ! McClellan, for the 
leader ! " [cheers,] shall blanch with a deadlier hue the pale-blooded cheek of abo- 
litionism than did the cry of " The champion ! the champion ! " in the lists of Tem- 
plestowe the faces of those who saw Wilfred of Ivanhoe appear to the rescue of the 
fair Rebecca. They think that the chair is drawn to the funeral pile, that the shad- 
ows have changed on the dial ; but the footsteps of the champion are heard — he 
comes, and the Union and the Constitution shall be preserved from the sacrifice. 
Be it ours, then, in the fulness of trust in the God of our fathers, with every confi- 
dence in the leader whom we have chosen — the man I have never seen, his form 
and features I do not know ; but this I do know, that he is admitted to be the first 
soldier of the country, and so far as his character is concerned, we all know that he 
is a man of dauntless will and stainless honor. And I believe he has, that order of 
mind of which statesmen are made, that he has the ability to comprehend and the 
will to execute the policy and plans that will save our government. The popular 
instinct found him and called him forth ; and to-day the genius of his country drops 
her inspiring mantle upon him, and he becomes the chosen instrument to restore the 
Union of the whole and preserve the liberties of all. In all history I find no exam- 
ple that surpasses that magnanimity of character, that touches the soul and has more 
of magnetic power than anything else. Nothing can surpass that noble equanimity 
of character that, tried by both extremes of fortune, praise and persecution, has not 
failed in either. [Applause.] Stand, then, gentlemen, by the democratic platform 
in all it3 length and breadth, accept your leader as the choice of the people, indi- 
cated and approved by yourselves ; let that name go forth — a McClellan ! McClellan. 
for a leader," — across your western prairies, beyond the mountains, down the slope, 
until it mingles with the murmur of the tranquil ocean, let it pass to the East, and 
go up to those beyond your great lakes, and they will re-echo it — "McClellan! Mc- 
Clellan for our leader !" and take care, ye men of the West, that when we throng 
that crowded avenue on the eventful day in November next, the banner of New 
York — ''Excelsior" — is not raised higher than any that shall rise beyond the great 
lakes. [Great Applause.] 

THE RELEASE OF POLITICAL PEISONEBS. 

Mr. WICKLIFFE, of Kentucky, offered the following resolution: 

Resolved, That Kentucky expects of the democratic President who will be elected in November, 
that his first official act will be to throw open Abraham Lincoln's prison doors, and let the captires 
f^ee. 

A DELEGATE suggested that it would be better to modify the resolution so as to 
make it read ''political prisoners." 

Mr. WICKLIFFE, of Kentucky: There are no others. [Laughter and cheers.] 
I know among others a case in which thirty-five women of the highest character 
were dragged from their houses in Kentucky and imprisoned at Louisville, and the 
newspapers were forbidden to publish the fact to the people of the United States. 
But I, here, at the risk of arrest, publish the facts and denounce the tyranny that 
accomplished it as the most vile under the sun. 

[The resolution was unanimously adopted.] 

Mr. KEILEY, of Pennsylvania moved to adjourn. 

Mr. JOHNSON, of Pennsylvania: I hope my colleague will reconsider the motion 
and withdraw it. There is no reason why we should have ao long a recess as until 
four o'clock. 

Mr. REILEY, of Pennsylvania : I withdraw the motion. 



54 Democratic National Convention. 

THE NOMINATION FOR THE VICE PRESIDENCY. 
Mr. COX, of Ohio, offered the following resolution: 

Resolved, That we proceed to the nomination of a candidate for the Vice Presidency without 
debate and without intervention of other business. 
. 

Which was adopted. 

The PRESIDENT : With the consent of the Convention, and as the resolution 

niay,£nd some of the delegates unprepared, I suggest that a little time elapse before 

the Secretary calls the roll. 

Mr. ALLEN, of Ohio : I desire, sir, to present, in behalf of the State of Ohio, 
Hon. George H.. Pendleton, as the candidate for the Vice Presidency of the United 
' States. [Prolonged cheering.] Time will not permit me to do the gentleman the 
justice which I should take so much pleasure in doing. I will only say that, as a 
man, he possesses great ability; as a democrat, the purest virtue — a man of honor, 
integrity, and a gentleman of truth. We nominate him with pride and pleasure on 

the part of the State of Ohio. 

• 

The PRESIDENT : I would suggest that the gentlemen who bring the names of 
candidates before the. Convention will introduce the name without remarks or com- 
ment, to facilitate business. No man will be named here whose reputation will not 
be known to us all. 

Mr. McDONALD, of Indiana, nominated Hon. Daniel W. Voorhees, of Indiana. 
Mr. HUGHES, of Pennsylvania, on behalf of the delegation from that State, 
nominated Hon. George W. Cass, of Pennsylvania. 

jj Mr. DICKEY, of Vermont, nominated Hon. James Guthrie, of Kentucky. 
Mr. McHENRY, of Iowa, nominated Gen. Augustus C. Dodge, of Iowa. 
Mr. HICKOX, of Illinois, nominated Hon. John D. Caton, of Illinois. 

Mr. HUNT, of New York : I rise, sir, on behalf of a large portion of the New 
York delegation, to second the nomination which has been made by — 

Mr. VALLANDIGHAM, of Ohio [interrupting] : I understood that all nomina- 
tions were to be offered and seconded without debate. 

The PRESIDENT : Such is the case. 

Mr. rfUNT, of New York, then seconded the nomination of Hon. James Guthrie, 
of Kentucky. 

Mr. SAULSBURY, of Delaware, nominated Hon. Lazarus W. Powell, of Ken- 
tucky. 

• Mr. ORR, of Missouri, nominated Hon. J. S. Phelps, of Missouri. 

Mr. STOCKTON, of New Jersey, seconded the nomination of Mr. Pendleton. 

Mr. CARMICHAEL, of Maryland, seconded the nomination of Mr Powell. 

Mr. RADFORD, of New York, seconded the nomination of Mr. Pendleton. 

Mr. CLARKE, of Wisconsin, also seconded the nomination of Mr. Pendleton. 

[Here a recess was taken for the space of a few minutes. The President having 
at length called the Convention to order,] \ 

Mr. CRAWFORD, of Pennsylvania: I desire to offer a resolution touching the 
matter of the nomination for the Vice Presidency, as follows : 

^Resolved, That, with a view to preserve the national character of the democratic party, the dele- 
gations south of Mason's and Dixon's line be requested to select a suitable candidate for Vice Presi- 
dent for the consideration of this convention. 

The PRESIDENT : I suppose under the rule adopted the resolution would not 
be in order. It was read for information. If the gentlemen are prepared to vote, 
we will proceed to call the States. [Cries of " Vote, vote."] 

The SECRETARY: Gentlemen will remember that they vote for Vice Presi- 
dent in the same manner as they voted for President ; through the chairman of the 
delegation and by electoral votes. 

The States were then called in order, with the following result: 



Democratic National Convention. 



55 









FIRST BALLOT. 












States. 

New Hampshire . . . 
Vermont 


pENDLE- 

TOX. 


Yooa- 

HEE8. 


Cass. 


GUTQ- 
K1K. 


Dodge. 


Catox. Powell PnELPS. 

i 


Blank:. 


4 
2 


.... 

.... 

is' 


'•J6* 


3 



U 

n 

4' 
'33* 

2 ■ 
"ii 

65* 


.... 

"i' 

9 




.... 

'ie' 

16 


— 

6 

>a 

7 

'{& 

i 

"n 

5 
3 




' . . . 





.... 

:::: 

8 


.... 


Massachusetts 

Rhode Isiand 

Connecticut 

New York ... 

New Jersey 

Ohio . 


8*. 

— 

v..'. 

.... 

'si' 


i 

.... 
— 


Indiana 






Illinois 

Michigan 

Missouri 


"C>i 
1 

s 


.... 


Minnesota 


:::: 


California ........ 






Totals 


m 


13 


20 


32* 


s 


X 



Aggregate number of. votes. 
Necessary to a choice 



.226. 
.151. 



The SECRETARY: I will announce the rote. For Hon. James Guthrie of Ken- 
tucky, 65-^ votes ; for Hon. George H. Pendleton, of Ohio, 55^- votes; for Hon. L. 
"W. Powell, of Kentucky, 32- 1 votes ; for Hon. J. H. Caton, of Illinois, 16 votes; for 
G. W. Cass, of Pennsylvania, 26 votes ; for Hon. D. W. Yoorhees, of Indiana, 13 
votes ; for Hon. John $. Phelps, 8 votes : for Hon. A. C. Dodge, 9 votes ; for blank, 
% vote. There is no choice and the convention will proceed to ballot again. 

Pending the call of the States, 

Mr. HICKOX, of Illinois, said: The delegation from Illinois, understanding that 
Hon. Mr. Caton withdraws his name, casts her vote for George H. Pendleton, of 
Ohio. [Loud cheering.] 

Mr. PARKER, of New York: Having cast her vote once entire for Hon. James 
Guthrie, against his wishes, New York now votes its entire strength, thirty-three 
votes, for Hon. George H. Pendleton, of Ohio. [Great applause.] 

Mr. POWELL, of Kentucky : I have the honor, sir, while thanking the conven- 
tion, to withdraw my name from this canvass. The delegation from Kentucky, 
which I have the honor to represent, would change its vote that it be cast for 
George H. Pendleton, of Ohio. [Enthusiastic cheering.] 

Mr. ROBINSON, of Kentucky : At the request of Mr. Guthrie, I desire to with- 
draw his name from the canvass, and the votes given for him are now cast for 
George H. Pendleton, of Ohio. [Great applause.] 

Mr. PRICE, of Missouri : Missouri withdraws the name of John Ji. Phelps, and 
casts her entire vote for Hon. George H. Pendleton, of Ohio. 

The remaining States were then called, and each State recorded its vote for 
George H. Pendleton. 

The SECRETARY : That makes the unanimous vote of this Convention in favor 
of Hon. George H. Pendleton, of Ohio.. [Deafening and long-continued applause, 
mingled with many cries for Mr. Pendleton to come forward.] 

Hon. GEORGE H. PENDLETON, of Ohio, the nominee for Yice President, then 
took the stand, and addressing the convention said : 

Mr. President, and Gentlemen of the Convention — I have received with pro- 
found sensibility this mark of the confidence and kindness of the democracy of the 
United States. I can say no more than this now. You will consider said all that is 
proper for me to say upon an occasion of this kind. I can only promise, in future, 
to endeavor, with the same fidelity that I have tried to exercise in the past — in en- 
tire devotion to those principles which lie at tho very foundation of our government, 
and which are the basis of the Federal Constitution, and of the rights of the States 



56 Democratic National Convention, 

and of the liberties of the individual citizens — [immense applause] — shall endeavor 
to be faithful to those principles which lie at the very bottom of the organization of 
the democratic party. And I hope, aye, my friends,, animated with the fervent hope 
that if, by the selection of proper men, we can give a true and faithful application 
to those principles, we will again build up the shattered fabric of our government 
and hand it to the next generation as we received it from the past — the most beauti- 
ful structure of government which the world has ever seen. I again tender to yoia, 
gentlemen, my grateful acknowledgments for the compliment you have done me, 
and leave the floor. [Loud and long-continued cheers.] 

COMMITTEE TO IBTFOKM THE CANDIDATES OP THEIR NOMINATION. 

' ! Mr. GREEN", of New York, moved that it be 

Resolved, That a committee «f nine be appointed by the ehair, to announce the nomination of our 
candidates for President and Vice President, and to request their acceptance of the same, upon the 
platform of principles adopted by this Convention. 

Mr PETR1KEN, of Pennsylvania, moved to amend that the committee consist of 
one person to be selected from the delegation of each State. 

The amendment prevailed, 

Mr FULLER, of Illinois : I offer an amendment to the resolution as amended, 
that the President of this Convention be an additional member of the committee, 
and ex officio the chairman thereof. 

The amendment prevailed and the resolution as amended was adopted. 

The following committee was appointed : 

Horatio Seymour, New York, Chairman. 



John Bigler, California. 

Joseph K. Smith, Maine. 

John M. Douglas, Illinois. 

"Walter F- Burch, Missouri. 

James Guthrie, Kentucky. 

John A. Green, jr., New York, 

Isaac Lawrence, Rhode Island. 

Alfred P. Edgerton, Indiana. 

George W. Harrington, New Hampshire. 

Alfred E. Burr, Connecticut. 

Charles Negus, Iowa. 

Wilsan Shannon, Kansas. 



Hugh McCurdy, Michigan. 
George M. Carman, Maryland. 
Theodore Ilunyan, New Jersey. 
Charles A Wickliffe, Kentucky. 
John Cain, Vermont. 
Benjamin Stark, Oregon. 
John Merritt, Delaware. 
John D. Stiles, Pennsylvania. 
George W. Morgan, Ohio. 
.*. G. Abbott, Massachusetts. 
C. H. Berry, Minnesota. 
W . T. Galloway, Wisconsin. 



COMMUNICATION FROM TAMMANY HALL. 

Mr. BELMONT, of New York : I have received a communication from the Dem- 
ocratic General Committee of Tammany Hall and I hope it will be read. In connec- 
tion with this allow me to say that the democracy of New York, in November next, 
will roll up a majority of fifty thousand for McClellan and Pendleton. [Applause.] 

The following communication, presented by Mr. Belmont, was then read : 

" New York, August 27th, 1864. 
*' To the Chairman of the National Democratic Convention, Chicago Illinois: 

" At a large and enthusiastic meeting of the Democratic General Committee of Tammany Hall, 
the following resolutions, offered by Hon. Elijah E, Purdy, were unanimously adopted and ordered 
to be transmitted to the National Convention at Chicago. 

" Whereas, Tammany Hall was not represented in the late Stale Convention which elected del- 
egates to the National Convention at Chicago, and thus the democracy of the City of New Nork. 
for the first time, are not duly represented in a Democratic Presidential Convention ; and 

" Whereas, We regard the harmony and success of the Democratic party as essentia^ to the peace 
and the final restoration of the Union and paramount to any question of local organization, and will, 
therefore, abstain from the exercise of our right to send delegates to Chicago, that the^ State of New 
York may present an unbroken front and speak with an individual v oice in the national council ; 
nevertheless Tammany Hall cannot refrain from giving expression to the universal and emphatie 
demand of the democracy of New York for the nomination of a candidate for the Presidency; there- 
fore be it .... 

"Resolved, That we most earnestly recommend the nomination of the great commander of the age, 
George B. McClellan, for the office of President of the United States. 

Resolved, That the nomination of George B. McClellan for the presidency will at once restore hop* 
and confidence to the country, giving to the people their own chosen leader^and the most capable man 
to direct the destinies of the nation in this terrible erisis, and to restore our now divided and suffering 
eountry to unity, prosperity and happiness. 

Resolved, That this Democratic Republican General Committee, assembled in our time-honored 
headquarters, old Tammany Hall, representing as we do the democracy of the city of New York, 
re- affirm and renew our fealty to the Union, the constitution, and the supremacy of the laws, and 
our,fixed determination to sustain, preserve and defend them as formed by our patriotic forefathers, 
and transmitted to us as a rich heritage for preservation ; and that we hereby pledge ourselves, on8 



Democratic National Convention, 51 

to the other, to res$ not from our labors, nor cease In our exertions, until the stars and stripes again 
float proudly in the breeee over every foot of ground on the American Continent, with one Union, 
ono constitution, and one government for the American People. 

" Resolved, That a committee of one from each ward be appointed to make arrangements for a 
grand mas3 ratification meeting of the nominations of the national convention for President and 
Vice President. 

(Signed) "Pbtbr B. Swbxxbt, Chairman pro tern. 

"W«. Hilcqman, Sam. T. Wbbstbr, Secretaries." 

RESOLUTIONS. 

Mr. BROWN, of Delaware, moved, and it was 

Resolved, That one person from each State, to be selected by the delegation thereof, be appointed 
to form a National Executive Committee. 

Mr. TILDEN, of New York, moved, and it was 

Resolved, That the same rule, in respect to the organization of, and representation in, the neat 
democratic convention, be adopted, which exists, and is in operation in this body. 

Mr. STILES, of Pennsylvania, moved, and it was V 

Resolved, That this convention unanimously present their thanks to the citizens of the city of 

Chicago for their hospitality to members of this convention, and to the people in attendance upon 

its proceedings. 

Mr. AUGTTSTE, of Pennsylvania, moved, and it was 

Resolved, That this convention recommend to the democracy of the United States to meet in mass 
meeting in their several States, districts and counties, to ratify the nominations to-day made by 
this convention, upon the 17th of September next, the anniversary of theiadoption of th« Federal 
constitution. 

Mr. CURTISS, of Pennsylvania, moved, and it was 

Resolved, That fifty thousand copies of the proceedings of this convention be^printed and acat- 
tered amons; it3 members. 

Mr. COX, of Ohio, moved, and itVas 

Resolved, That the thanks of this convention be tendered to the citizens of Chicago for the erec- 
tion of the commodious building in which we have assembled, and to Captain J. W. Connett, chief 
marshal of the police, and the force under him, for the efficient manner in which they have dis- 
charged their duties. 

Mr. REILY, of Pennsylvania, moved, and it was 

Resolved, That the thanks of this convention be tendered to the officers of this convention for the 
able and impartial manner in which they have discharged the duties pertaining to their ap- 
pointments. 

Mr. HUGHES, of Pennsylvania, moved, and it was 

Resolved, That the thanks of this convention be tendered to the Hon. Horatio Seymour for the able, 
dignified, impartial and consciencious manner in which he has presided over the deliberations of 
this convention. 

Mr. POWELL, of Kentucky : I have a resolution that I will offer. I move that 
it be 

Resolved, That we request the President of the United States to forthwith annul all military or- 
ders prohibiting the circulation of democratic newspapers in the States. 

[Many voices were raised to object, with cries of "Ask no favors," " We want 
no favors," " We won't ask him," etc.] 

Mr. BATES, of Iowa : I beg to say to the members of this convention that sey- 
eral propositions were before the committee on resolutions, requesting President 
Lincoln to withdraw the draft, and orders that he has made for this and that, but 
the committee came to the conclusion that they would ask no favors of Abraham 
Lincoln. [Immense and long continued applause.] A free field and a fair fight is all 
that we ask now. 

The PRESIDENT : The resolution being objected to will go to the committee oa 
resolutions. 

Mr. SMITH, of Yermont, moved, and it was 

Resolved, That any vacancy in the Democratic National Committee shall be filled by such com- 
mittee on the nomination of the State Central Committees. 

ADJOURNMENT. 

Mr. WICKLIFFE, of Kentucky : I believe, sir, that we have accomplished our 
business ; that we have done a good work, and we have a great work before us ; so 
believing, I move, sir, that this convention do now adjourn. ^^ 



58 Democratic National Convention, 

' A DELEGATE: Sine die? 

Mr. HUTCHINSON, of Pennsylvania: No'sir, no sine die for this convention. 
' SEVERAL DELEGATES : We have settled that. 
; The PRESIDENT then rose and said : 

Gentlemen of the Convention — The gentleman from Kentucky hat? moved that 
this convention do now adjourn. Before I put this resolution, allow me to return 
my acknowledgments for the thanks you have voted myself and the other officers of 
this body. I will not detain you with any lengthened remarks, for I can say noth- 
ing to add to the effect of the proceedings of this convention. I know that every 
heart is full. I know that every man goes forth from here strengthened fand con- 
firmed in the conviction that we have added new years to the life of this Republic. 
[Great cheering.] Gentlemen, we part to meet no more in our present relationship ; 
but throughout the rest of our days we shall remember this meeting. [Cheers.] 
May the Almighty bless you all in the future. May He grant that you may live to 
see the day when good government shall be restored to this land of ours— when the 
Union shall be re-established, and fraternal relationship existing ; so that when our 
last hours come, we can thank God that we have lived again to see the days of 
American liberty and of American prosperity. [Loud and long continued cheering.] 
I The SECRETARY: This convention will now stand adjourned sine die. [Loud 
cries of " No, no."] This convention will now stand adjourned subject to the call of 
the National Committee, with nine cheers for George B. McClellan, the next presi- 
dent of the United States. 

[The cheers were most enthusiastically given, and thus ended the proceedings of 
a body more pregnant with hope for these United States than any other which has 
been held since the establishment of the Union.] .- ; -^_— 



Democratic National Convention, 59 

I 



GEN. McCLELLAN'S ACCEPTANCE OF THE NOMINATION. 



— - 



The Committee appointed by the Convention to notify General McClellan of his 
nomination, met on Thursday morning, Sept. 8, at the St. Nicholas Hotel, New 
York. Nearly all the members of the committee were present. At one o'clock 
the following letter, advising him of his nomination was presented: 

New York, Sept 8, 1864. 
Major General George B. McClellan: 

!' Sir: — The undersigned were appointed a committee by the National Democratic 
Convention, which met at Chicago on the 29th of August, to advise you Of your 
unanimous nomination by that body, as the candidate of the Democratic party, for 
President of the United States, and also to present to , you a copy of the proceed- 
ings and resolutions of the Convention. 

It gives us great pleasure to perform this duty, and to act as the representatives 
of that Convention, whose deliberations were witnessed by a vast assemblage of citi- 
zens, who attended and watched its proceedings with intense interest. Be assured 
that those for whbm we speak, were animated with the most earnest, devoted and 
prayerful desire, for the salvation of the American Union, and the preservation of 
the Constitution of tthe United States ; and that the accomplishment of these ob- 
jects was the guiding and impelling motive in every mind, 

And we may be permitted to add, that their purpose to maintain that Union is 
manifested in their selection as their candidate, of one whose life has been devoted 
to its cause, while it is their earnest hope, and confident belief, that your election 
will restore to our country, union, peace and constitutional liberty. 

We have the honor to be, 

Your obedient servants, 

(Signed.) HORATIO SEYMOUR, Chairman, 

JOHN BIGLER, Colifornia. 
ALFRED B. EDGERTON, Indiana. 
ISAAC LAWRENCE, Rhode Island. 
JOHN MERRITT, Delaware. 
JOHN CAIN, Vermont. 
HUGH McCURDY, Michigan. 
JOSEPH E. SMITH, Maine. 
GEORGE H. CARMAN, Maryland. 
BENJAMIN STARK, Oreeron. 
JOHNM. DOUGLAS, Illinois. 
CHARLES NEGUS, Iowa, 
JOHN D. STILES, Pennsylvania. 
WILSON SHANNON, Kansas. 
J. G. ABBOTT, Massachusetts. 
C.H. BERRY. Minnesota. 
JAMES GUTHRIE, Kentucky. 
CHARLES A. WICKLIFFE, Kentucky. 
C. G. W. HARRINGTON, New Hampshire. 
GEO. W. MORGAN, Ohio. 
ALFRED E. BURR, Connecticut. 
THEODORE RUNYON, New Jersey. 
WESTON F. BIRCH, Missouri. 
JOHN A. GREEN, Jk., New York. 
W. T. GALLOWAY, Wisconsin. 

General McClellan accepted the nomination, and his formal letter to that effect 
was addressed to the committee on the evening of the same day. The following is 
a correct copy thereof : 



60 Democratic National Convention. 

Orange, N. J., Sept. 8. 

Gentlemen : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, inform- 
ing me of my nomination by the Democratic National Caavention, recently assem- 
bled at Chicago, as their candidate at the next ©lection for President of the United 
States. 

It is unnecessary for me to say to you that the nomination comes to me unsought. 

I am happy to know, that when the nomination was made, the record of my pub- 
lic life was kept in view. 

The effect ol long and varied ierviee in the army, duringfwar and peace, has been 
to strengthen and make indellible in my mind and heart, the love and reverence for 
the Constitution, laws and flag of our Country impressed upon me in early youth. 

These feelings have thus far guided the course of my life, and must continue to 
so do to its end. 

The existence of more than one government over the region which once owned 
our flag, is incompatible with the peace, the power, and the happiness of the 
people. 

The preservation of our Union was the soul avowed object for which the war was 
commenced. It should have been conducted for that object only, and in accord- 
ance with those principles which I took occasion to declare when in active service. 
Thus conducted, the work of reconciliation would have been easy, and we might 
have reaped the benefit of our many victories on land and sea. 

The Uunion was originally formed by the exercise of a spirit of conciliation and 
compromise. To restore and preserve it, the same spirit must prevail in our coun- 
cils, and in the hearts of the people. 

' The re-establishment of the Union in all its integrity is, and must continue to be, 
the indispensable condition in any settlement. So soon as it is clear, or even prob- 
able, that our present adversaries are ready for peace, upon the basis of the Union, 
we should exhaust all the resources of statesmanship practiced by civilized nations, 
and taught by the traditions of the American people, consistent with the honor and 
interests of the country, to secure such peace, re-establish the Union, and guar- 
antee for the future the constitutional rights of every State. The Union is the one 
condition of peace — we ask no more. 

Let me add, what I doubt not was, although unexpressed, the sentiment of the 
Convention, as it is of the people they represent, that when any one State is willing 
to return to the Union, it should he received at once, with a full guarantee of all its 
constitutional rights. 

If a frank, earnest and persistent effort to obtain those objects should fail, the re- 
sponsibility for ulterior consequences "will fall upon those who remain in arms 
against the Union. But the Union must be preserved at all hazards. 

I could not look in the face of my gallant comrades of the army and navy who 
have survived so many bloody battles, and tell them that their labors and the sacri- 
fices of so many of our slain and wounded brethren had been in vain ; that we had 
abandoned that Union for which we have so often periled our lives. 

A vast majority of our people, whether in the army and navy or at home, would, 
as I would, hail with unbounded joy the permanent restoration of peace, on the ba- 
sis of the Union under the Constitution, without the effusion of another drop of 
blood. But no peace can be permanent without Union. 

As to the other subjects presented in the Resolutions of the Convention, I need 
only say that I should seek in the Constitution of the United States, and the laws 
framed in accordance therewith, the rule of my duty and the limitations of execu- 
tive power, endeavor to restore economy in public expenditure, re-establish the su- 
premacy of law, and, by the assertion of a more vigorous nationality, resume our 
commanding position among the nations of the earth. 

The c ondition of our finances, the depreciation of the paper money, and the bur- 
dens the reby imposed on labor and capital, show tne necessity of a return to a sound 
financial system. ;. whilst the rights of citizens ' and the rights of States, and the 
binding authority of law over President, army and people, are subjects of not less 
vital imp ortance in war than in peace. ^ , i \ 



Democratic National Convention. 61 

Believing that the views here expressed are those of the Convention and the peo- 
ple you represent, I accept the nomination. 

I realize the weight of the responsibility to be borne should the people ratify 
your choice. 

Conscious of my own weakness,'I can only seek firmly the guidance of the Ruler 
of the universe, and, relying on His all powerful aid, do my best to restore Union 
and peace to a suffering people, and establish and guard their liberties and rights. 
I am, gentlemen, very respectfully, 

Your Obedient Servant, 

(Signed) George B. McClella.x. 

To Hon. Horatio Seymour and others, Committee. 



' 






<i 



Democratic National Convention. 03 



0BGAN1ZATI0N OF THE NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC COMMITTEE. 



VTEvyEsnxr,' August 31, 1864. 1 

The members of the new' National Democratic Committee, consisting of one rep- 
resentative from each State represented in the National Democratic Convention, 
assembled immediately after the rdjournment of the Convention, this afternoon, in 
the rooms of the Committee at the Sherman House, in the city of Chicago. 

Mr F. 0. PRINCE, Secretary of the retiring committee* called the ^meeting to 
order, and called the roll of members, as follows : 

LIST OF MEMBERS. 

Maine — S/ R. Lyman, Portland. 
New Hampshire — Josiah Minot, Concord. 
Vermont — H. B. Smith, Milton. 
Massachusetts — F. 0. Prince, Boston. 
Connecticut — William M. Converse, Norwich. 
Rhode Island — Gideon Bradford, Providence. 
New York — August Belmont, New York City. 
JVeio Jersey — W. G. Steel, 
Pennsylvania — W. A. Galbraith, Erie. 
Delaware— John A. Nicholson* \<$ Sr .$ 
Maryland— Odin Bowie, Colington. 

Kentucky— Junes Guthrie, Louisville : S. Trimble, Paducah. 
Ohio— Rufus P. Ranny, Cleveland. 
Indiana— W. E. Niblack. 
Illinois— Wilbur F. Storev, Chicago. 
Michigan— W. L. Bancroft, Port Huron. 
Missouri— Lewis W. Bog|, St, Louis. M^ 

Minnesota— John H. M. Kinnv, Chatfield. C 
Wisconsin— George H. Paul, Milwaukee. 
Iowa— D. 0. Finch, Des Moines, 
Kansas — Isaac E. Eaton, Leavenworth. 
California — Thomas Haynes, San Francisco. 
Oregon— William McMillan. 

All the members, with the exception of Mr. James Guthrie, of Kentucky, re- 
sp onded to the call of their names. 

THE TEMPORARY ORGANIZATION. 

Mr. WILBUR F. STOREY, of Illinois, was unanimously elected temporary~chair- 
man of the committee ; and 

Mr. F. 0. PRINCE, of Massachusetts, was unanimously elected temporary Sec- 
retary. 

The CHAIRMAN reported that two names had been reported from Kentucky, 
He wished to know whether the Committee would take any action relative to this 
double representation. 

Mr. BELMONT, of New York, moved that Messrs. Guthrie and Trimble, the 
two representatives of Kentucky, be both admitted as members of the Committee, 
with, however, a single joint vote, as had been the case of the Ken tucky delega- 
tions to the Convention. Carried. 



I 



64 Democratic National Convention. 



THE PERMANENT ORGANIZATION. 

It having been moved and carried to proceed to the permanent organization of 
the Committee, 

Mr. SMITH, of Vermont, nominated for permanent chairman Hon. August Bel- 
mont, of New York. 

Mr. FINCH, of Iowa, moved that, as Mr. Belmont was the only gentleman nom- 
inated, he be unanimously elected. Carried. 

Mr. BELMOXT, on taking the chair, thanked the Committee for the compliment 
it had paid him. He expected that the democracy would have this year better suc- 
cess than in 1860; in fact he was certain that they would elect their candidates. 
[Applause.] 

Mr. LYMAN, of Maine, nominated as permanent Secretary of the Committeo, 
Mr. F. O. Prince, of Massachusetts, The nomination was unanimously approved. 

Mr. EATON, of Kansas, moved that a committee of five be appointed by the 
chairman to select seven gentlemen to form the "Executive Committee. Carried; 
and 

The CHAIRMAN appointed as such committee Messrs. Storey, of Illinois; 
Eaton, of Kansas; Trimble, of Kentucky; Haynes, of Caltfornia; and Galbraith, 
of Pennsylvania. The committee thereupon retired. On its return it reported 
recommending the selection of the following named gentlemen to form 

THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 

August Belmont, New York. 

"Wilbur F. Storey, Illinois. 

Frederick 0. Prince, Massachusetts. 

W. A. Galbraith, Pennsylvania. 

Rufus P. Ranney, Ohio. 

L. V. Bogy, Missouri. 

George H. Paul, Wisconsin. 

Mr. CONVERSE, of Connecticut, moved that three additional names be added to 
those reported by the committee. Lost • rm 

Mr. HAYNES, of California, moved that two additional names, to be named 
by the Chairman, be added. Carried; and 

The CHAIRMAN appointed Messrs. Bowie of Maryland, and Smith of Vermont; 
whereupon 

The report as amended was then adopted. 

Mr. HAYNES, of California, moved that the appointment of the Resident Com- 
mittee at Washington be left in the hands of the Executive committee. Carried. 

Mr. BOWIE, of Maryland, moved that the Secretary, Mr. Prince, be requested 
to act ag Treasurer. Carried. 

The Committee then adjourned, subject to the call of the Chairman. 



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